The IOP regularly invites scholars in the area of philosophy, social and religious thought, environment and ecology to present the results of their scholarly research.

The institute conducts Public lectures and Special lectures, in addition to Symposiums and Exhibitions.

• Public Lectures
• Special Lectures
• Symposiums
• Exhibitions

The Public lectures are open to the general public and are on themes that relate to society and the individual, while special lectures are research oriented catering to scholars in specialized areas.

The Institute promotes research into the manuscripts of the Lotus Sutra. In conducts research into manuscripts and prints in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Tangut (Xixia) and other versions. Exchanges are conducted with research institutes around the world including the International Academy of Indian Culture, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the National Archives of Nepal and the Institute of Oriental Studies (St. Petersburg branch) in Russia.

The IOP has also been actively engaged in encouraging interfaith dialogue. For example, in 1995, the institute cosponsored with the Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture, a multi-part Buddhist-Christian dialogue in the form of exchange symposiums and informal discussions. Likewise, IOP researchers have participated in interfaith seminars sponsored by the SGI and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. These exchanges have sought to examine and compare Buddhist and Christian approaches to such core issues as prayer, salvation and the role of the clergy.

The institute exchanges scholarly journals with many universities and research institutes throughout the world. It invites scholars and researchers in many fields to symposia and seminars held under its auspices. It also sends representatives to participate in such international and scientific meetings as the Societe Internationale de Sociologie des Relegions (SISR) and to international conferences on issues relating to Buddhism and peace. At the same time, when requested by researches, it offers support in research planning and in carrying out survey activities. It also provides research data to interested parties.

The Institute also conducts seminars periodically on topics ranging from religion to philosophy and environment. For instance, in November 1989, Han Sang-Bum, Dean of the Department of Law at the Dongukk University conducted a seminar on the current state of religion in Korea. In July, 1988, Duan Wenjie, Director Dunhuang Research Institute, Kengo Higashiyama, Professor, Seijo University conducted a seminar on Dunhuang.