The SFM makes available its expertise and research capacity in migration and demographic analysis. It is able to provide information and carry out analyses and appraisals of programmes and public policy.

 
The SFM conducts research at the request of public or private bodies and participates in research programmes of the Swiss National Science Foundation. As a expertise center in migration studies, the SFM is part of European research networks specialised in this field.

The SFM not only provides academic research and university teaching but also advisory and information services. It has expertise in setting up further education programmes, as well as the organisation of conferences and seminars. The SFM places great importance on exploiting research results and disseminating know-how to interested members of the public.

The documentation centre at the SFM endeavours to cover the topic of migration related to Switzerland in a comprehensive manner. The SFM allows the public to use its extensive documentation centre, covering many books, journals and other articles on subjects associated with migration.