The IST conducts empirical studies on social science topics and examines ethical, legal and social aspects (ELSA) of technology in the fields of health, energy and mobility, digitalisation and human-technology interaction as part of a participatory technology design approach.

The research work covers a wide range of topics and the working methods are interdisciplinary. The projects include social science survey research, evaluations and monitoring in various fields of work and with various target groups, technology assessment, innovation and technology impact research, ELSA research, acceptance issues and ethical accompanying research.

The Institute for Sustainability and Ethics (INE) brings together the activities of OTH Amberg-Weiden in the field of sustainability and ethics. At OTH Amberg-Weiden, sustainable development is understood as a whole-institution approach and encompasses the fields of teaching, research, campus management and transfer. The INE coordinates and develops strategies and implements projects for the integration of sustainability and ethics in the university's fields of action.