The institute operates in the facilities of Lappeenranta University of Technology, on the 6th floor of the 7th construction phase of the Skinnarila campus. The visiting address is Skinnarilankatu 34.
The highest decision-making body of the institute is the University Senate.
The principal tasks of the Head of the South Karelian Institute, Dr. Pertti Kolari, include the development and supervision of the operations and productivity of the institute, representing it, developing its cooperation network, and the responsibility for its public relations.
Tanja Karppinen MA, has been appointed as the Planning Officer of the institute. She is responsible for some of the institute’s administrative and financial matters, planning of its operations, and the preparation and implementation of educational, research, and cultural projects. The institute’s administration also includes Mervi Raja, a Project Secretary.
Tanja Karppinen MA, the first deputy manager, is responsible for the general administrative tasks.
The South Karelian Institute is principally a multidisciplinary regional research and training unit. Currently, the institute employs following professional researchers: Kristiina Korjonen-Kuusipuro MA; Mikko Kohvakka MA; Virpi Kaisto MA; Laura Timonen M.Soc.Sc, MA; Heini Kähkönen M.Soc.Sc, Kaisa Pyrhönen MD and one visiting researcher Sari Janhunen. Depending on the need, the institute also has one or more official trainees and/or a research assistant.