The iFQ is established by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as "central research facility".
The institute is designed as a scientific institution that will initially focus on the evaluation of DFG’s funding programmes. During the start up, the iFQ will be located in Bonn. Prof. Dr. Stefan Hornbostel, social scientist, is the scientific director of the institute. The directorship is linked to an university appointment. Stefan Hornbostel has therefore taken up a professorship at the Humboldt University of Berlin. The joint appointment is intended to ensure a close integration between the iFQ and the university research, as well as the education of young researchers.

The following members belong to the iFQ association (Trägerverein):

• The German Research Foundation (DFG)
• The Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB)
• The University of Bonn
• The Humboldt-University Berlin
• The University of Mannheim

An advisory board consisting of verified experts will accompany the activities performed by the iFQ.