For more than four decades, scholarly research concerning all aspects of Asia has been carried out at the institute. This is also true today but presently a more coherent research strategy is visible through the clustering of most projects within the research theme, Mapping the Human Landscapes of EurAsia: Dealing with Cultural Differences in a Globalized World.
Apart from scientific research, NIAS offers policy advice at the official level and disseminates research-based information to private enterprises and the general public, often via media outlets.