The Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) investigates non equilibrium phenomena in matter of all kinds. It studies these processes on all time and lengthscales, including at the extreme those of atomic and electron movements. The Institute is pioneering experimental methods that range from ultrafast laser techniques to electron and x-ray scattering, integrated with ultra-high speed electronics and advanced measurement and fabrication methods. Powerful theoretical modelling capabilities reveal the fundamental properties of materials. The MPSD is located in the research campus Bahrenfeld, where it occupies two buildings - its newly developed headquarters and shared space in the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, where the MPSD collaborates with the University of Hamburg and DESY.