VIPERs are involved in a wide range of research involving igneous and hydrothermal systems. The following is a general list, contact individuals for more information:

• Subduction zone magmatism
  Grunder, Tepley, de Silva, Kent, Nielsen, Bloomer
   
• Intermediate and silicic magma systems
  Grunder, Tepley, De Silva, Kent, Dilles
   
• Large Calderas and Ignimbrite "Flare ups"
  de Silva, Grunder
   
• Melt Inclusion studies
  Kent, Nielsen
   
• Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits
  Dilles
   
• High Lava Plains Magmatism
  Grunder, Duncan
   
• The Plutonic-Volcanic Connection
  Grunder, Dilles, de Silva
   
• Mid Ocean Ridge Magmatism
  Graham, Kent, Nielsen
   
• Large Igneous Provinces
  Duncan, Koppers
   
• Hotspot Volcanism, Ocean Island Basalts and Seamounts
  Koppers, Duncan, Graham, Kent, Keller
   
• Subsurface Biosphere Processes
  Fisk