Since its creation in 1993, the research department has widened its original scope of "Language and Law", gradually encompassing studies on multilingualism and specialised communication. In this way, the research department has been able to place itself firmly within the international community in the field of applied linguistics.
In the past activities were strongly dedicated to research on terminology, translation and special languages with a view to creating a scientific basis for multilingualism in the realms of law and administration in South Tyrol. Since the institute has been entrusted with the reform of the bi- and trilingualism examination the development of research tied to pedagogical lexicography - the learning and instruction of a second language - has also been promoted.

The creation of the bistro terminology data base and the ELDIT online pedagogical dictionary has expanded the research department's activity to include studies on language engineering, which by now have become an independent subject of research.

In addition to expanding its scientific scope, the research department has also widened its range of languages to include not only German and Italian, but also Ladin, as well as other languages of the Alpine arc (namely French and Slovene) and the Italian Sign Language in more recent times. 

International conventions, scientific publications and European partnerships have all helped the research department solidify its presence within the international scientific community. 

The Institute's various projects can be subdivided into three main areas of research:

Bilingualism and Multilingualism

Specialised Communication

Language Technologies

last update 29.4.2008