Since its establishment in 1962, the National Council for Scientific Research – Lebanon (CNRS-L) is serving the scientific community in Lebanon covering all scientific disciplines. Its main objective is to encourage scientific research and support human resources development along the general scientific policies adopted by the government. CNRS-L is committed to keep the scientific community in Lebanon connected with advances achieved worldwide, at the same time dedicate its resources to meet local development objectives.

Established as the central public institution in charge of science policy-making under the authority of the President of the Council of Ministers and granted administrative and financial autonomy. It has two major functions:

1. Advisory Function:The CNRS draws the general outline of the National Science Policy and formulates proposals and suggestions to the government and carries out surveys and inventories of on-going research activities in private and public institutions in the country.
2. Executive Function: Consists in the implementation of the National Science Policy. To achieve this objective, the CNRS initiates, encourages and coordinates research. In addition, it leads and organizes scientific research activities within its defined work programs and research centers.