Bifröst University places great emphasis on strengthening and promoting research in its academic fields. The University aspires  to play an active role in developing human resources in Iceland and strengthening the foundations of Icelandic culture and economy by promoting Icelandic participation in multinational scientific work and innovation.

The Bifröst University Research Institute undertakes various projects for the industries and community, in addition to providing advice to the University's academic staff in their applications for research grants and participation in research partnerships. The head of the Institute is Njördur Sigurjónsson.

In addition, there are five specialised research centres at Bifröst; they are independent organisations under separate management. These are: 

• The Centre for European Studies. Director: Eiríkur Bergmann Einarsson, associate professor.

• The Icelandic Centre for Retail Studies. Director: Emil B. Karlsson.

• The Centre for Research in Labour Law and Gender Equality. Director: Elín Blöndal, professor.

• The Centre for Cultural Research. The administrators of the centre are dr. Ágúst Einarsson, professor and Njörður Sigurjónsson, assistant professor.

• The Centre for Management and International Business. Director: Ásta Dís Óladóttir, associate professor.