Throughout most of its history it had three sections: history-philosophical, philological, and mathematically-medical-natural scientific. Under the presidency of the historian, Mykhailo Hrushevsky, it greatly expanded its activities, contributing to both the humanities and the physical sciences, law and medicine, but most specifically once again it concentrated on Ukrainian studies.
The institution's structure underwent significant changes over time, with three distinct sections: historical-philosophical, philological, and mathematically-medical-natural scientific. Under the presidency of Mykhailo Hrushevsky, it broadened its scope to include both humanities and physical sciences, law, and medicine, but particularly focused on Ukrainian studies.