The National Hellenic Research Foundation, one of the largest Research Centers in Greece, founded in 1958, is a legal entity under private law, non-profit Research Foundation, and is supervised by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs in Greece.
Today, NHRF consists of the following Institutes and Units:
- The Institute of Historical Research (IHR) conducts research on the history and culture of the Greek areas and the regions where Hellenism has been active, from prehistoric antiquity to the modern era.
- The Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology (IBMCB) acts as a focal point, unique within Greece, for innovation at the interface of Chemistry and Biology through a modern interdisciplinary approach to the solution of state-of-the-art issues in the areas of health, drug discovery, biomarker research and biotechnology.
- The Institute of Theoretical and Physical Chemistry (TPCI), advances research in selected fields of experimental and computational/theoretical chemistry and physics, with emphasis on nanomaterials with advanced functionality for energy conversion and storage, photonics, and electrochemical applications.
During the last 60 years, NHRF has been an important pillar for the modernization and development of Greek Scientific Research, ensuring the country’s international presence and encouraging the outreach and the scientific development. Its multi-faceted nature, through the successful coexistence of Humanities and Natural Sciences Institutes, affords a unique advantage and achievement at the national level and increases its competitiveness abroad.
Moreover, the scientific excellence at international level, the enhancement of its research and educational mission and the effective linking of Greek economy and society are top priorities for the Center.
NHRF runs several educational activities addressed to researchers, students, teachers as well as the general public. In 2015 NHRF launched its first post-graduate program entitled “Bio-entrepreneurship” in collaboration with the University of Thessaly, whereas in April 2016 NHRF signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Hellenic Open University.
As regards Innovation, Technology Transfer & Entrepreneurship, NHRF is highly active towards these directions through patenting and licensing of the researcher’s work, service provision as well as the creation of spin off companies.
