The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is the largest public institution dedicated to research in Spain and the third largest in Europe. CSIC belongs to the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and collaborates with Spanish and foreign entities to achieve its aim. Its mission is to foster, coordinate, develop and promote scientific and technological research of a multidisciplinary nature, in order to contribute to advancing knowledge and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to train staff and advise public and private entities on this matter. CSIC plays an important role in scientific and technological policy, encompassing research and knowledge transfer around eight scientific-technical areas including biology and biomedicine, chemical science and natural resources.