Research at the University of Osnabrück is distinguished by successful interdisciplinary work in the various scientific disciplines. The tone was set early on in the natural sciences: the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has been funding a  special research group known as "Membrane proteins” since 1999, giving the University a world-class group in biological research. Additionally, the DFG supports the transfer group ”Optical applications of oxidic crystals”, a continuation of an earlier special research group.

The University is also home to also five interdisciplinary institutes for Migration Research,  Cognitive Science, Environmental Systems Research, Early Modern Era Research, and European Studies.

The European Legal Studies Institute Institute is one of the most important research institutes in Europe in the areas of comparative law and the standardization of law. Additionally, the health sciences and several psychology research groups, generously funded by third parties, also contribute to the University’s reputation. For detailed information about the broad spectrum of University research activities, please see the Research Report.

The University places special emphasis on supporting the development of graduate students. Evidence of this are six graduate colleges and the Cognitive Science und Advanced Materials PhD Programs. With its well-equipped laboratories, workshops, and classrooms, the University offers scientists and students excellent working conditions.

• Special research group "Membrane proteins”
• Transfer group ”Optical applications of oxidic crystals”
• Institute for Migration Research and Intercultural Studies (IMIS)
• Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS)
• Institute of Environmental Systems Research (IUSF)
• Institut für Kulturgeschichte der Frühen Neuzeit (IKFN)
• Institut für Europäische Studien (InES)
• European Legal Studies Institute
  
• Graduate Colleges
• PhD Programs