A significant part of the research dynamics at CES revolves around research groups. These groups are created around specific thematic areas, disciplinary and academic research traditions and/or research interests being developed in this interdisciplinary environment. Activity in research groups includes, among other things, periodic meetings, coordination of seminars, workshops and training courses, coordination of research projects and postgraduate programmes, as well as national and international research networks. This year, CES holds 11 research groups.

- Architecture and Urbanism

- Citizenship and Social Policies

- Cities and Urban Cultures

- Science, Technology and Society

- Comparative Cultural Studies

- Democracy, Multicultural Citizenship and Participation

- The State, the Law and Administration

- Governance and Economic Institutions

- Migration Studies

- Peace Studies

- Labour and Trade Unionism