1. STEM Education and Emerging Technologies
STEM education is a key research theme for IPER. It focuses on enhancing teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Specifically, this area emphasizes the following issue: 
•    Research on the teaching and learning of STEM fields at secondary and post-secondary levels.
•    Study STEM teacher preparation programs and strategies for skill enhancement.
•    Artificial Intelligence (AI) for personalized learning and data-driven assessment.
•    ICT for blended and online education.
•    Robotics for hands-on STEM learning.
•    Virtual and Augmented Reality for immersive education experiences.
•    Digital Platforms for collaborative learning and research.

2. Education in Emergencies/Crisis and Education System Resilience 
Recently, education in emergencies has attracted increased attention. It is a key research theme for IPER, which focuses on delivering quality learning opportunities during crises such as armed conflicts, natural disasters, and health emergencies. It ensures that affected populations, especially children and youth, have access to essential educational resources. This theme addresses the challenges and innovative solutions for effective educational frameworks in unstable contexts while emphasizing psycho-social support, safety, and community engagement. 

3. Innovative Pedagogy and Subject-Specific Research 
IPER prioritizes and conducts research on developing evidence-based teaching methods, including technology-enhanced learning, blended and online education, and student-centered pedagogies to improve instructional quality. IPER also explores innovative assessment methods focusing on participatory, skills-based, formative, and holistic approaches to evaluation from lower-level to higher education institutions.

4. Research on Educational Systems and Policies
In this area, IPER will extensively engage to addressing the following issues: 
•    Analyze national and regional education systems in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
•    Study curriculum frameworks, lifelong learning strategies, and knowledge dissemination.
•    Evaluate teacher preparation programs and align them with national standards.
•    Develop evidence-based policy recommendations for educational reform.

5. Educational Policy and Leadership
IPER conducts research that influences educational policy development, particularly in primary and secondary education. 

6. Teacher Training and Professional Development
Apart from providing customized and needs-based capacity building, IPER conducts studies on pre-service and in-service professional development programs for teachers, leaders, and experts. 

7. Equity, Inclusion, and Gender Studies in Education
The institute addresses issues of equity, access, and gender disparities by developing research, focusing on evidence-based interventions that support marginalized and underrepresented groups, and advancing inclusive education practices across all levels.

8. Education for Sustainable Development/ Education for Sustainability
Education and Sustainable Development aligns IPER's research and initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4. It focuses on quality education and integrates sustainability concepts into pedagogy and educational policies.