Established in 2010, it mainly focuses on:
- research and documentation in the field of humanities and sociology
- research of cultural heritage and preparation of the conservation plans for renovation and restoration of the protected sites
- maintenance of an electronic database of Jewish Archives of Slovenia. The database enables further research in the Jewish heritage related topics
- education
- Provenance Research.
In 2019, the Institute was granted status of a scientific research centre, recognised by Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS). Scientific and Research Center JAS section of the institute was founded.