The aim of the Institute is to increase research and publication in archaeology and related fields. Particular emphasis has been put on development and improvement and members of the Institute have participated in various activities: the revision of the antiquities legislation and the reorganization of the heritage management; development and improvement of methods of archaeological survey, excavation, environmental assessment and data management. The Institute runs a database of research data and information on Icelandic sites (ISLEIF) and publishes an international journal on Icelandic archaeology and related subjects: Archaeologia Islandica (ArchIs). The Institute has participated in various educational programmes, provided educational grants and opportunities for practical studies and it runs an international field school, giving field training to young scholars.