The Haffkine Institute has been a centre for Scientific & Industrial research since it's inception in 1896. What had initially started as a bacteriology research centre, now offers services in various quarters of basic & applied biological sciences.

Public Health: The Institute has always played a key role whenever a sudden epidemic has gripped the country. During 1988-89, when an epidemic of multi-drug resistant typhoid spread in the country, the Institute's scientists assessed the situation in detail, and identified drug combinations that could be used effectively, if such a situation arises in future. Similarly, in 1994, when an epidemic of plague-like infection invaded Surat, and a fear gripped the residents of Mumbai, the scientists of Haffkine Institute carried extensive microbiological investigations of all the patients admitted to Kasturba Hospital and thus averted a major chaotic situation which would have resulted in colossal losses. During the "post 9/11", bioterrorism threats of possible "Anthrax" attacks, the Institute offered its laboratory services and expertise by dealing with the suspect powders and mail received by prominent personalities and common citizen of Mumbai city and the state of Maharashtra. The Institute also offers help-desk services during epidemics and other community health problems. The Department Of Virology is one of the WHO surveillance centers for influenza and parainfluenza viruses. It is a National reference centre for rabies and NICD/WHO centre for viral Hepatitis for Maharashtra and Goa. The Department is also recognised by the State and the Central FDA for Pharmacovigilance studies in humans and animals.

Infectious Disease: The Haffkine Institute is one of the premier institutes in the country undertaking research in basic & applied aspects of infectious disease. Studying Host-Parasite interactions, Disease pathogenesis, Immune responses, Drug resistance and Isolation & Identification of the etiological agents are the major areas of investigation. Currently the foci are on HIV, HBV, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Leptospirosis, Dengue, Malaria, Nosocomial Infections etc.

Therapeutics: Various molecules like Interferon are presently under test as potential therapeutic agents against diverse pathogenic organisms. Many phytochemical agents are currently being screened for the presence of active components with probable anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, larvicidal and immuno-modulatory activities. Proteins with anti-microbial and activities are being produced on lab scale by Recombinant DNA technology.

Vaccinology: The very foundation of the Institute has been set with the development & production of the Plague Vaccine and since then Vaccinology has remained an active area of research at the Institute. From development of bacterial & viral vaccines, to researching on novel adjuvants for effective vaccine delivery, to Pharmacovigilance studies on vaccines the organization focuses on diverse areas of Vaccinology.