The International Institute for Interdisciplinary and Frontiers (IIIF) was established in 2012. As the university's talent reservoir and incubator for emerging disciplines, the institute has upheld an academic-first philosophy, focusing on cutting-edge international research. It breaks through traditional departmental and disciplinary boundaries, aligns with future technological trends, and organizes interdisciplinary initiatives to explore a new model of frontier scientific research—one driven by both major scientific questions and the convergence of interdisciplines and talent.

Since its founding, IIIF has been committed to building a high-caliber team of interdisciplinary talents, integrating scholars of various types. To date, it has attracted nearly 300 international experts and nurtured 76 national-level talents. In addition, it has fostered the growth of multiple emerging subjects, including spintronics, soft matter physics, space nuclear physics and atomic manufacturing. It has played a pivotal role in developing soft matter physics at Beihang from the ground up, culminating in influential breakthroughs. The institute has also pioneered innovative talent recruitment and development mechanisms, creating a reform path of exploration, pilot implementation, development, and promotion—contributing valuable experience to the university's personnel reforms.

Currently, IIIF comprises 12 research centers, including Planetary and Space Science Research Center, Peng Huanwu Collaborative Center for Research and Education, Research Center for Intelligence Science, Center of Quantum Spintronics, Advanced Energy and Carbon Neutrality Research Center, Quantum and Matter Scientific Research Center, Institute for Atomic Manufacturing, Bionic Science Research Center, Medical Engineering and Engineering Medicine Center for Cutting-edge Interdisciplinary Scientific Research, Beihang International Center for Mathematical Research, Digital Twin International Research Center, and the Center for Space Science Education and Research Collaboration. The research centers have developed a "1+N" collaborative mechanism—where the institute (the "1") with the research centers (the "N")—to promote joint faculty appointments, resource sharing, and coordinated development. This model strengthens collaboration and fosters an open, collaborative, and vibrant academic ecosystem.