The object of the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft according to its statutes is to promote research.

Two main topics have materialised in the almost five decades of its existence, namely human medicine on the one hand and humanities, social sciences and cultural sciences on the other. The Institutes of the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft carry out high-level international research in these areas.

Following the fundamental strategic reorganisation of 2002, it is more the working procedures than the content of the research that have been revolutionised. In order to ensure that the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft remains competitive and unique in its role as an independent Austrian research sponsor in the 21st century, new foundations have been laid down in relation to the mechanisms and structures for setting up new Institutes and managing them. As a result, Ludwig Boltzmann Institutes conduct research according to clearly defined questions, develop interdisciplinary fields of research and thus offer an attractive environment both for established scientists and for up-and-coming researchers.

The work is particularly focussed on translational research, thus the work on the interface between basic and applied research. The creation of networks also plays a central role for the LBG in that it acts as a mediator between disciplines, between different countries, between research and industry. This openness, together with modern management, transparent structures and clear objectives, allow it to fulfil its tasks optimally, namely achieving lasting benefits for people through partnership-based research.