The Institute brings together researchers, and practitioners from over 10 countries, from fields like anthropology, architecture, biology, bio-genetics, chemistry, communication sciences, criminology, economics and finance, education, engineering, entrepreneurship and business, film, forestry, geography, history, informatics & IT, international development, international relations, journalism, library science, literature, military studies, neuroscience, philosophy, political science, public policy, sociology, technology, theology, urbanism, visual anthropology, and focuses on both interdisciplinary research and field-specific research.

In terms of current activities, the Institute is focusing on migration and diaspora, philanthropy, international and community development, civic engagement, freedom of speech and fake news, regional history, international relations, health, technology, education, youth and other interdisciplinary research initiatives, educational projects and policy analyses.