The research department of Tribal Research and Training Institute undertakes research projects of various tribal communities in Maharashtra State. These projects include Research Studies pertaining to the issues of Developmental Studies, Ethnographic Research, Cross-cultural Research, Anthropological Research and Impact Assessment Research Studies etc. It also implements the Research Projects proposed by Central and State Government. TRTI has initiated a Research Fellowship for studies related to Tribal Culture and Tribal development.

The department also prepares comments on the representations regarding inclusion of Castes/Tribes in the list of Scheduled Tribes in the State according to the norms decided by Central Government, Comments on the representations received from State Government, replies to the letters received from National Commission for Scheduled Tribes as well as Maharashtra State Scheduled Tribes Commission.