The work team draws on expertise in institutional history, art history, history of architecture and materials, with experience at an international level, and undertakes research in an inter- and trans-disciplinary framework, to be shared in scientific projects and with the community. In general, the research topics are constructed according to a dual perspective: the micro-historical territorial perspective, concerning the Canton of Ticino, and the international perspective, inserting phenomena that are only apparently local into historical and art-historical macro-contexts and focusing on relevant dynamics within the framework of a global geography of art. 

The research is financed through competitive tenders, such as those of the Swiss National Science Foundation, and interweaves the various competences of the sector, developing collaborative relationships with other Swiss and international universities and research centres. The dissemination of research results takes place on a scientific level through the organisation of conferences, symposia and publications, while specific projects (SNSF Agora calls) are developed to reach and involve a broader public.