The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is the largest public institution in Spain dedicated to scientific and technical research and one of the most prominent in the European Research Area. The CSIC, attached to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the General Secretariat for Research, is structured into three main areas: Society, Life and Matter, covering most of human knowledge and encompassing the activity of over 1,500 research groups in its 120 centres.
Its objectives include making scientific and technological capacities and achievements accessible to all national and international socio-economic sectors to improve the social, economic and cultural well-being of society as a whole. In addition, it continuously drives the international reach of its scientific output through close relations with international research organisations.
The CSIC's mission is to promote, coordinate, develop and disseminate multidisciplinary scientific and technological research to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and economic, social and cultural development, as well as training professionals and providing advice to public and private entities in these areas.
It specialises in carrying out the following activities:
- generating knowledge through scientific and technical research;
- communicating research results with a special focus on the promotion and creation of technology-based companies;
- providing expert advice to public administrations and private institutions;
- offering predoctoral, postdoctoral and advanced training;
- promoting scientific culture in society;
- managing large-scale facilities and unique scientific and technical infrastructures;
- participating and acting as representatives at international organisations; and
- developing oriented research.
