At the IOS, researchers from various disciplines work on common research questions. The researchers are organized into disciplinary departments or groups. At the same time, they cooperate in the two research fields of "Institutionalization, De-Institutionalization, Re-Institutionalization" and "Mobility(ies) and Inequality(ies)". Along with its own basic research, the Institute's work also focuses on scientific infrastructure services. These include the management and publication of journals, book series, working papers and fundamental works, a specialised library with more than 340,000 media resources and a wide range of electronic services (repositories and research platforms).
The IOS considers itself a networking institute. It cooperates in particular closely with the University of Regensburg with which it established the Leibniz ScienceCampus "Europe and America in the Modern World" in 2019. It also maintains close cooperation with other institutions of the Leibniz Association. Furthermore, there are numerous partners at a national and, above all, international level. An important aim on the agenda of the IOS is the support of young scholars, in particular through the mentorship of doctoral and post-doctoral students. The IOS cooperates closely with the Graduate School for East and Southeast European Studies. In addition, IOS staff members teach in various degree programs at universities in Germany and abroad. One of IOS‘ central tasks is to provide knowledge about the region, from political consulting to public events.
