The academic staff of the Institute of Physical Chemistry currently comprises six tenured professors, plus more than ten tenured scientists and three emeriti. Two more professors are associated to the institute, holding positions at other institutions. The service staff of permanent employees numbers approx. 30, including secretaries, technicians, electronic experts and the personnel of the mechanical, electronics, and glass workshops. There are about 40 graduate students (Diplom and doctoral degree) working in the laboratories of the institute. Many of these as well as several post-doctoral fellows from abroad are supported by research foundations. Others are serving as teaching assistants, being supported by institutional funds on time-limited contracts.

The following six institutes of the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy contribute to the NRW Graduate School:

• Institute of Biochemistry (BC)
• Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry (AC)
• Institute of Food Chemistry (FC)
• Institute of Organic Chemistry (OC)
• Institute of Physical Chemistry (PC)
• Institute of Business Management in Chemistry (BMC)