Bernd Surrow's research is focused on investigating the structure of the proton and its underlying dynamics. Lepton-nucleon scattering experiments have played an important role in our understanding of the structure of the proton in terms of its underlying constituent momentum and spin distribution functions. Those measurements contributed to the test of the field theory among quarks and gluons know as Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). The first electron-proton collider, HERA at DESY, has allowed researchers to explore the structure of the proton in a new kinematic region compared to previous fixed target experiments, in particular the observation of the steep rise of the proton structure function F2 at low Bjorken x. Surrow was deeply involved in the investigation of the transition region of non-perturbative ("soft") and perturbative ("hard") QCD. Together with Dieter Schildknecht, he formulated the GVD/CDP (Generalized Vector-Dominance/Color-Dipole Picture) model, which led to the observation of low x scaling in γ*p collisions. Dieter Schildknecht formulated the Generalized Vector-Dominance model together with J.J. Sakurai.

Bernd Surrow's group at Temple University is leading a program on gluon polarization measurements and a program studying the production of W bosons to deepen our understanding of the QCD sea. A recent global analysis provides for the first time evidence of a non-zero gluon polarization of similar magnitude as the total quark spin contribution itself. His group is developing novel micro-pattern detectors focusing on triple-GEM detectors in collaboration with Tech-Etch in Plymouth, MA. This detector development program profits from state-of-the-art detector laboratory facilities including a 2,000 sq.ft. Class 1,000 clean room at the Science Education and Research Center at Temple University. Professor Surrow’s research program in nuclear and particle physics and novel detector development provides outstanding opportunities for the education of students and training of postdoctoral fellows.
Surrow is strongly engaged with the teaching program at Temple Univeristy, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. He co-authored a new textbook on nuclear and particle physics "Foundations of Nuclear and Particle Physics", published by Cambridge University Press in January 2017. He is the recipient of the 2016 William Caldwell Memorial Distinguished Teaching Award. Teaching innovations under Surrow's leadership include the establishment of 'Studio Physics' for introductory physics courses and the creation of the respective Honors Physics series of classical physics. Surrow serves as Founding Director of the Center for Online and Digital Learning.