Overall, there are more than 30 research groups. The Members may also collaborate with Affiliate or Adjunct Members. Research in the IDM is led by the Full and Associate Members, either working independently with their own research groups or in larger groups led by more than one Member.

The Institute comprises 33 Full and 14 Associate Members, with 16 Affiliate Members from departments within the University of Cape Town, and 17 Adjunct Members based nationally or internationally.