In 1977, St. Michael's House established a research department, headed by a Director of Research. At this time, this initiative was unique and and innovative. The Department has nurtured and supported many applied research projects in intellectual disabilities, which in many cases have led to the development of many high quality evidence based services and therapeutic interventions.

More recent research themes have included mental health, physical health, staff training, management, developmental studies, as well as child and family research.

The Research Department is an affiliated research centre of IASSID (International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities), and works in partnership with the St. Michael's House Research Ethics Committee.