The NLB is organized into several research fields, with research groups as the basic unit. Its management follows the document of “Regulations of Establishment and Management of National Key Laboratories (Draft)”. While the Academic Council is responsible for policy making and evaluation, the Director of NLB is responsible for its executive management. An academic conference is organized by the Academic Council every year in February or March, during which the Director presents a laboratory report of the previous year and a proposal for running and expenditure for the coming year. This annual conference also provides a forum to discuss and evaluate the research of the laboratory: Ongoing research projects are assessed; new research proposals are considered for approval; financial accounts are inspected; research results from individual groups are examined; major achievements are highlighted; and research priorities and potential future directions are evaluated and planned. The NLB also organizes routine seminars and a summer scientific retreat.