While rooted in contemporary issues, the institute uses historical perspectives to provide deeper insights on Nordic affairs, the Baltic Sea region, Eastern Europe, and global issues.

The institute actively secures source materials and develops innovative research questions. One key method for this work are witness seminars, where key participants engage in dialogue with researchers, offering multi-stakeholder perspectives on significant historical events. The documentation of such witness seminars, conferences, etc. is published in our publication series Issues of Contemporary History. External link, opens in new window.

Current research topics include geopolitical change, international and transnational collaboration, environmental issues, the welfare state, democratic challenges, ethnic minorities, right wing populism, as well as identity and history.

The Institute of Contemporary History promotes knowledge exchange between academia and society. Through partnerships with associations, foundations, businesses, museums, and municipalities, the institute facilitates collaboration that extends beyond the university, enriching both research and public discourse.