In his dissertation, later published as a book, he analyzed the relationship between banks and industry in Hungary at the turn of the 19th and 20th century, based on a wide range of archival sources.
Within the social and economic history of 20th century Hungary and Europe, Tomka's research has centred on changes of population and family patterns, and the welfare state.
His latest works have focused on the comparative history of economic growth, consumption and the quality of life in East Central Europe.
[citation needed] He is also an external founding member of the Social and Economic History PhD program at Eötvös University (ELTE, Budapest).
[citation needed] He is the leader of the MTA-SZTE-ELTE History of Globalization Research Group established by two universities and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 2019.