MSH bundles its research activities in research institutes. These enable scientists to network in order to develop joint research questions, pool resources and make the collaboration visible through joint research projects and publications. In addition, the research institutes provide the necessary infrastructure for start-up funding for initial project ideas, the organization of scientific conferences and, for example, summer schools as well as technical platforms, which are accessible as scientific services to all researchers at MSH and the university network.
The research institutes promote the representation of scientists at national and international congresses as well as in consortia and professional societies. The research projects within the research institutes are funded by national and international sponsors or funding associations with the participation of national and international institutions.