The Institute's scientific research project work is principally financed by the Ministry of Health through its 'ongoing research' and 'targeted research' programmes.

'Ongoing research' is directed at developing fundamental knowledge over the long term in specific sectors of biomedicine and public health, in order to constitute a scientific base for planning interventions aimed at improving the state of the nation's health.

'Targeted research', on the other hand, implements priority objectives in biomedicine and health which have been periodically identified by the National Health Plan.

The Institute's lines of research also embrace the international dimension through the EU's Framework Programmes, i.e. the financial instrument created by the European Union to reinforce the scientific and technological bases of industry, to favour international competitiveness and to promote research actions in the member states.