The National Research Council (CNR) is the largest public research body in Italy. Founded in 1923, it is a public body since 1945. Its mission is: to perform research in its own labs both promoting innovation and competitiveness of the industrial system and providing technologies and solutions to emerging public and private needs; to promote the internationalization of the research system; to advise the Government and other public bodies on strategic themes for the Country and the collectivity; to contribute to the qualification of human resources. Its research centres/institutes/main infrastructures are divided according to the following macro-areas: Earth and Environment; Bio-Medical Sciences; Physical sciences and technologies; Engineering, ICT, Energy & Transportation; Agriculture & Food; Chemical sciences and technology of materials; Social and Human Sciences and Cultural heritage.

The Office for European and International Relations (UREI) – of CNR Directorate General – is aimed at responding to the rising demand of CNR in implementing EU scientific programs. It has an active role in supporting the designing and implementation of CNR’s strategies and initiatives in the fields of European Interest, ensuring a transversal approach in multidisciplinary international programs and policy issues. UREI has a head-quarter in Rome, a liaison branch in Brussels, two units: in Naples and Genoa.