Research at DIPF focuses on the quality of teaching and learning in educational institutions, different conditions and the historical development of education and necessary competencies of pedagogical staff. It also concentrates on digitally supported learning and teaching processes and making available and using educational knowledge in research and information infrastructures as well as transfer processes.
Researchers from different disciplines, particularly education science, psychology, social sciences, history, information and computer science are collaborating here.

Given developments in society and technology, DIPF defined four strategic priorities in 2021:

1. The strategy on research at DIPF on differential educational conditions and educational trajectories describes disparities in education at different levels. At DIPF, researchers examine mechanisms to find out how such differences emerge. They develop and evaluate approaches for supporting disadvantaged but also gifted learners.
2. Focusing on education in a digital world, DIPF researchers study chances, conditions and limits of digital education. Digital information platforms and research infrastructures are being developed as well as tools. Learning and teaching processes are researched as well as technology-based assessments supported by Artificial Intelligence.
3. Subject to the focus area Open Science, DIPF initiates scientific exchange, raises the efficiency of research by making reusable insights and data digitally available . DIPF helps assure the quality of science by making research transparent and verifiable.
4. Owing to its activities in transfer and transfer research, DIPF creates and improves conditions for communicating knowledge on education into society, thus making the knowledge effective. The institute pursues a co-constructive approach involving all participants in schools, day-care centres, politics and administration.