Missions

Structure :

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is a Belgian Federal State institution.

It is part of the Federal Public Planning Service Science (PPS Science Policy, the Prime Minister's Offices).
(website will be opened in a new window)

It is involved in important scientific research activities and carries out public service missions. It is open to everyone through the Museum of Natural Sciences.

Missions :

The Belgian Royal Institute of Natural Sciences is part of the Federal Public Planning Service Science Policy (PPS Science Policy), a section of the Prime Minister's Offices. (website will be opened in a new window)

Basic scientific research:
scientific research in the area of the natural sciences, mainly concerned with the study of evolution, diversity, and ecosystems.

Scientific service:
scientific support provided to public and private institutions and bodies involved in the management of the natural heritage, in particular in the application of conventions and regional, federal, European, and international legislation.

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the Directorate-General for Development Co-operation of the Belgian federal Government work together in conserving and promoting biodiversity in developing countries (read the 18 April 2003 press release, in Dutch or in French).

Heritage:
the management and development, in the areas already referred to, of collections, databanks, libraries, and specialised archives, constituting a resource at national and international level.

Museum:
the development and promotion of the Museum of Natural Sciences with its permanent and temporary exhibitions and various other educational activities as key instruments for the spreading of scientific knowledge.

White Book:
The world is changing. So are science and our Institute’s missions.
A global reflection has been carried out, regarding all federal scientific institutes. The result is the White Book "Horizon 2005".

Download it here :
Dutch PDF-verion (PDF, 503 KB, Click here for the plugin page) / Dutch HTML-verion.
French PDF-verion (PDF, 286 KB, Click here for the plugin page) / French HTML-verion.
All versions will be opened in a new window.