The Institute for Social Research is a recognized research institution that focuses on society-related topics such as equality, migration and welfare. The institute has specialized research centres, including CORE and Election Research, which contribute to in-depth analyzes and insights within their respective areas. Research at the institute has a particular focus on democracy and civil society, and emphasis is placed on highlighting current societal challenges.
The institute regularly publishes research results and projects, often with funding from the Research Council of Norway (NFR). In addition to publications, they organize various events and send out newsletters to keep stakeholders up to date on new research and relevant topics. The Institute for Social Research also carries out comparisons between Nordic countries, particularly when it comes to trends in gender equality, and benefits from contributions from researchers with expertise in a wide range of social science areas.