The principal activity of the Institut d'Història Jaume Vicens i Vives (IUHJVV) is to provide a space for the undertaking and dissemination of the research of its members.
 
The IUHJVV consists of a number of research groups, which are financed research projects awarded by European, Spanish and Catalan bodies. Each group is directed by one or two Principal Researchers and consist of members from within the UPF community and from other universities.