SIPRI's organization is comprised of a Governing Board, the Director, the Deputy Director, the Research Staff Collegium and support staff.
SIPRI offers a unique platform for researchers from different countries to work in close cooperation on projects. SIPRI's staff is international. The researchers are recruited for a specific period from different geographical regions and represent various academic disciplines. SIPRI also hosts guest researchers who work on issues related to SIPRI's research programme.
The international Governing Board advises the institute on its strategic research agenda.
Although SIPRI is not a teaching institute, it does receive interns who wish to learn more about its activities. SIPRI maintains contacts with other research centres and individual researchers around the world, several international and regional organizations, and diplomatic missions. SIPRI also regularly receives parliamentary, scientific and governmental delegations.