To narrow down the huge amount of possible research themes in international development, the AIID chose five to direct specific attention onto. Although trying to aim towards comprehensive understanding of the broad spectrum of international development, the AIID explicitly tries to built up expert knowledge on certain themes within this broad spectrum. The five themes are:

1. Causes and consequences of poverty
Within this theme, current research is focussed on: Rural and urban households. Risk and safety nets. Resettlement and international migration. Labour markets, demographics, employment and gender. Small enterprises.

2. Human development
Within this theme, current research is focussed on: Education and training. Health. Disease-specific policies (AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, cancer) and health system research. Drug development.

3. Governance and poverty
Within this theme, current research is focussed on: State and civil society. Democratisation and empowerment. Political decentralisation and cultural autonomy.

4. Environment and development
Within this theme, current research is focussed on: Land-and water resources. Bio-diversity. Biotechnology. Urban environmental management. International environmental agreements

5. Globalisation and development assistance
Within this theme, current research is focussed on: The socio-cultural impact of globalisation. Multinational enterprises and poverty. Aid effectiveness. Debt relief. WTO, the Bretton Woods institutions and other aid organisations.