Collegium Carolinum's research agenda focuses on the history and culture of the Bohemian Lands, Slovakia and Czechoslovakia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

As doing this work, the CC is not solely interested in the majority social groups of the region, but is rather concerned with the broad ethnic, cultural and confessional diversity of Central Europe. Comparative studies with other East Central, Eastern and Western European countries are highly valued in this regard. The Institute combines both cultural-historical and social-historical approaches in conducting its projects, whether they be third-party funded or form part of the Institute’s long-term basic research.

In addition to Collegium Carolinum's own research projects, the Institute also supports young researchers through short-term scholarships.