Scientific research is a key component of Iscte - University Institute of Lisbon. One of Iscte’s main strategic goals is to become a research university with high-quality, internationalized scientific output, aimed at the advancement of knowledge in its main areas – Management, Economics, Sociology, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Humanities, Information and Communication Technologies and Architecture - and its application to institutions, the economy and society.

Iscte has a broad network of patnerships with leading universities and research centres, nationally and internationally, as well as with public, private and third-sector organizations. 

Iscte has eight research units that develop high-quality research. These research units are regularly subjected to external international evaluation conducted by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), and most receive top ratings. The excellent work performed by the research units of Iscte is recognized by the Rectory each year in the granting of Scientific Awards that distinguish professors and researchers whose scientific work has been published in highly reputed international journals.