Faculty members are free to decide on the topics of their research seminars - there are no mandatory thematic or disciplinary categories. Teaching at EHESS has one key requirement: each faculty member must base their teaching on their current, ongoing research activities including discussion of methodologies, ways of working with research team members, and the positioning of the work in relation to that of academic peers. This enables faculty members to make the most of the wealth of exchanges with Masters, doctoral and post-doctoral students in seminars whilst also supporting the development of their own research. Every year, faculty members renew the form and content of their teaching, as their own research develops. They are also encouraged to invite colleagues from other French or overseas universities to lead or participate in their seminars.

Due to its national and international standing, working at EHESS provides a stimulating space for the development of exchanges with other leading research institutions in France, such as the CNRS, IRD, and INED, and for collaboration with other major international research centers. The School has been very successful in a number of the European Research Commission's funding programs.

Researchers, Associate Professors, and Professors at EHESS are invited to take up the opportunities offered by Campus Condorcet and by the participation of EHESS in the Paris Sciences & Lettres University.