The evolution of research at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) at Balamand University since the early 2000s bears witness to the growing importance accorded to this field, offering students and teachers an environment conducive to contemporary research issues in the various artistic fields. This focus is reflected in the introduction of projects that are integrated into or complement the curriculum.

Among these initiatives, the Atelier de Recherche (1997-2004) has played a major role as a space dedicated to research, experimentation and creation, with a focus on urban reality. Also, projects such as Majal, an urban academic observatory, and ARP, which evaluates contemporary art practices worldwide, have contributed to a better understanding of the current artistic landscape. In addition, ALBA has established, for several years, a cotutelle Ph.D. program with the Université de Paris Est - Marne-la-vallée (currently the Université Gustave Eiffel) through the Institut d'Urbanisme. ALBA has also made repeated efforts to set up a research laboratory.

In addition, conference cycles and colloquia are regularly organized within the Academy, in collaboration with external institutions thanks to exchange protocols signed with ALBA. In addition, and with a view to giving research a central place in the curriculum, specific subjects have been integrated into the program, including courses on research methodology, as well as the completion of dissertations and research files as part of the Master's program.

ALBA lecturers have also produced numerous scientific publications, and are involved in research projects such as the CEDRE project, whose latest edition in 2023 is entitled "Visibles et invisibles urbains à Beyrouth".

In 2023, a new Director of the Research Department is appointed, whose mission includes the establishment of a Centre for the research and creation at ALBA.