The RDN was founded in 2010 as part of the future concept "Research Campus RUB" of Ruhr University Bochum that aims to support excellent research. The RDN was financially supported by the Ministry for Innovation, Science, Research, and Technology of the state North Rhine-Westphalia until the end of 2010.

The organs of the RDN are:

• the General Assembly, which is made up of all PIs of the RDN. Scientists can apply to become members of the RDN if they meet the membership criteria set out in the RDN's by-laws.
   
• the Executive Board, which consists of 12 members, including the Speaker's Committee.
   
• the Speaker's Committee, consisting of the speaker Prof. Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan and two vice speakers Prof. Dr. Dirk Jancke and Prof. Dr. Melanie Mark.

The Executive Board as well as the Speaker's Committee are elected every three years by the General Assembly. The Executive Board is the decision-making body of the RDN, whereby petitions, proposals and decisions submitted to the General Assembly are taken into account. The speaker manages the business and represents the RDN externally. The speaker is supported by the vice speakers and the Science Manager of the department.

The legal basis for executive right comprises the by-laws of the RDN, which were adopted by the General Assembly and approved by the Rectorate of the Ruhr University Bochum.