The OeAW pursues its mission to “promote science in every way” (Federal Law 569/1921 as amended) on a statutory (German PDF)  basis. This statute serves as the foundation of the procedures and organisational structure of the Academy.

Detailed regulations, for instance concerning internal bodies or research units, can be found in the by-laws (German PDF) of the OeAW.

The statute and by-laws are determined by the General Assembly of OeAW members. The statute is further verified by the Federal President.