JRC

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the European Commission’s science and knowledge service which employs scientists to carry out research in order to provide independent scientific advice and support to EU policy.

As the European Commission’s science and knowledge service, the Joint Research Centre’s mission is to support EU policies with independent evidence throughout the whole policy cycle. Its work has a direct impact on the lives of citizens by contributing with its research outcomes to a healthy and safe environment, secure energy supplies, sustainable mobility and consumer health and safety.

The JRC draws on over 50 years of scientific experience and continually builds its expertise. Located across five different countries, the JRC hosts specialist laboratories and unique research facilities and is home to thousands of scientists working to support EU policy.

While most of JRC’s scientific work serves the policy Directorates-General of the European Commission, we address key societal challenges while stimulating innovation and developing new methods, tools and standards. We share know-how with the Member States, the scientific community and international partners. The JRC collaborates with over a thousand organisations worldwide whose scientists have access to many JRC facilities through various collaboration agreements. The JRC is a key player in supporting successful investment in knowledge and innovation foreseen by the Horizon 2020 Work Programme, the EU’s programme for research and innovation.

JRC science areas include:

• Agriculture and food security
• Economic and Monetary Union
• Energy and transport
• Environment and climate change
• Health and consumer protection
• Information Society
• Innovation and growth
• Nuclear safety and security
• Safety and Security Standards

The Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES) is one of the seven scientific institutes of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). Its mission is to provide scientific and technical support to EU policies for the protection of the European and global environment.