The centre is organised along two main lines: one concerning scientific animation (the groups, or "poles") and one concerning research itself (the projects). The "poles" aim at putting together people belonging to a community with similar scientific interests through seminars, invitations, foresight discussions and the like. The projects aim at putting together researchers motivated by a specific subject of scientific investigation, normally of fundamental research.Neither the poles, nor the projects are meant to last for ever. Their existence and content are questioned at each research assessment of the laboratory. Beyond these projects, research at Lamsade also relies on research contracts, as well as the participation to European and international actions.

Daniela Grigori, Director