We use neutrons as microscopic probes to conduct research on condensed matter and life science systems. To this end, we build and operate neutron scattering instruments, which we offer to a large user community at leading neutron sources. Research at JCNS has four major thrusts, reflected in the institute's departments: "Neutron Scattering and Soft Matter", "Quantum Materials and Collective Phenomena", "Neutron Analytics for Energy Research" and "Neutron Methods".