Theoretical work in a frame of scientific projects, solved at the institute is focused on mathematical modeling of seismic processes and deformations of the
earth's body, on solving the direct and inverse problems in geomagnetism & geoelectricity and in gravimetry. Experimental research is carried out at observatories buildings at various places of Slovakia, that are parts of individual departments. These are: Geomagnetic Observatory in Hurbanovo, the Radon emanation station in Modra-Piesok, the Impulse magnetic field laboratory in Trenčín, the Meteorological Observatory in Stará Lesná, the Meteorological Observatory at Skalnaté Pleso and Tide Station in Vyhne. The Department of Seismology operates the National Network of Seismic Stations (equiped by digital seismographs) comprises the following stations: Bratislava - Železná studnička, Modra, Vyhne, Šrobárová, Iža & Moča, Hurbanovo, Kečovo, Kolonické sedlo, Likavka, Stebnická Huta. It participates in monitoring two local networks from nuclear plants in Jaslovské Bohunice and in Mochovce. Telemetric signals from this network are processed in the real time regine at the central node established in the Institute.
The GPI SAS is the seat of the National Committee of the IUGG, since the year 1970 it publishes the international scientific journal Contribution to Geophysics and Geodesy. Present research programm and its possible application: monitoring and analysis of earthquakes with macroseismic impacts in the territory of Slovakia, monitoring of distant earthquakes in the framework of worldwide monitoring, analysis of seismic hazard at selected sites of interest and on the entire Slovak territory, development of methods for computing seismic wave propagation and seismic movements in structurally complex media, numerical modeling of seismic movement and local earthquake phenomena, measurement and interpretation of spatial-temporal changes of the geomagnetic field in a frame of INTERMAGNET programme, paleomagnetic research, magnetotelluric research of the Earth´s crust and upper mantle, study of the Sun-Earth physical interactions, mathematical modelling of geoelectric phenomena, qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the earth´s gravity field, gravimetric investigations of the deep structure and geodynamics of the Earth´s crust and the lithosphere of the Western Carpathians, study of tides, modelling deformations, strain, and temporal variations in gravity field caused by anomalous heat flow sources, energy balance of the atmosphere, investigation of radiation processes in the atmosphere, regional and local climate changes, mathematical modelling of the soil-vegetation-atmosphere interactions, mathematical modelling of air pollution by car traffic. The scientists of the Institute are for many years active as lecturers of geophysical topics at the Comenius University, for students and also doctorands.