MIDS undertakes studies and research pertaining to development problems, with special reference to the agro-rural aspects of Tamil Nadu and the socially and economically backward sections of the population throughout the country. It also seeks to foster inter-university co-operation among social scientists of the universities and to promote inter-disciplinary research and disseminate information.

The research focus is on the following areas :

• development and planning
• poverty, inequality and social sector development
• agrarian issues and institutions
• industry and infrastructure
• demography, migration and urbanization
• education and gender
• state and social policies

Some publications are downloadable from the website.