The Council is composed of an international group of scholars engaged in research in Borneo. The Council's goals are to:

• Promote scientific research in the social, biological, and medical sciences in Borneo;
• Permit the research community, interested Borneo government departments, and others to keep abreast of ongoing research and its results;
• Serve as a vehicle for drawing attention to urgent research and its results;
• Coordinate the flow of information on Borneo research arising from many diverse sources;
• Disseminate rapidly the initial results of research activity;
• Inform the interested public on research in Borneo.

Other functions include providing counsel and assistance to research endeavors, conservation activities, and the practical application of research results.