DIIS is an independent research institution for international studies, financed primarily by the Danish state. We conduct and communicate multidisciplinary research on globalisation, security, development and foreign policy and within these areas we aim to be agenda-setting in research, policy and public debate. DIIS participates in academic networks and publish in high-ranking academic journals, always striving to excel in academic scholarship. We continuously assess Denmark's foreign and political situation and inform the Danish media, politicians and the public about our work.

The organization have approximately 100 employees, comprising both research and support staff. We have different academic backgrounds, mostly in social studies, international development studies, military studies and anthropology. We contribute to the education of researchers both at home and in developing countries and we employ a number of practitioners from relevant ministries for limited periods of time. These practitioners contribute to our understanding of how our work is used outside academic circles, and this strengthens our ability to bridge the gap between theoretical and applied research. As part of our work as researchers at DIIS we carry out policy-relevant and policy-oriented research within our disciplines.

The research areas are defined on the basis of what we, as researchers, find to be current areas of special interest, and in relation to the surrounding societal and political context. We do basic research, research-based consultancy and commissioned work. Commissioned policy work can be requested by the Danish parliament, its ministries, NGOs and other clients

The different academic and professional backgrounds, combined with a flexible organisational structure, make it possible for us to adapt smoothly to current trends without losing the continuity necessary for long-term studies, and also enable us to conduct valuable multidisciplinary studies.

DIIS is headed by a board mainly consisting of members drawn from academia, which ensures that we live up to our scholarly obligations. The board appoints the director and he is in charge of the day-to-day management of the institute. An internal research committee provides advice on strategic research planning.