Manohar's research is guided by a mixed methods approach that combines a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods. He also tries to integrate teaching and practice interest in his research. Prof. Pawar has received over a half million dollars in research grants and has more than 100 publications. His current areas of interest include international social work, development and social policy, social work and social policy practice, social consequences of climate change and water, social work education, informal care and ageing, NGOs and community development, and virtues and social work practice. He supervises both PhD and DSW research areas and several students have successfully completed their research degrees under his supervision. Prof. Pawar also co-leads research seminars to facilitate research culture and quality research activities and outcomes.