As an academic competence center, the ZLSR is dedicated to the normative implications of the life sciences. In interdisciplinary cooperation and across all legal disciplines, it examines the interactions between technology and law in an empirically informed manner. It conducts research-based teaching and actively communicates its findings to society. In addition, the ZLSR sees itself as a space for reflection and a source of inspiration for political decision-making processes, which it accompanies analytically and critically.

The center stands for scientific honesty, independence and social responsibility. It creates an inclusive environment that promotes diversity and actively supports the training and integration of young academics. In research, teaching and public communication, it plays an active role in tackling social challenges by communicating fact-based knowledge in an understandable way, combining interdisciplinary perspectives and thus making a constructive contribution to shaping public opinion.