The Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) was established by Law 14/1986, of April 25, the General Health Law.

Royal Decree 375/2001, of April 6, approves its Statute, which determines its legal nature, functions, objectives, and organizational structure.

ISCIII is the public research body specialized in biomedicine and health sciences.

ISCIII's mission is to develop and provide high-quality scientific and technical services and research, aimed at the National Health System and society as a whole.

ISCIII conducts basic and applied research, promotes epidemiological and public health research, scientific and technical accreditation and foresight, health control, scientific and technical advice, and training and health education in biomedicine.

It assumes the planning, promotion, and coordination of biomedical health research and innovation, following the guidelines and objectives proposed by the government in terms of scientific policy, especially in the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation.

Likewise, it participates in the research programs of the Autonomous Communities and the European Union, on terms that may be established through agreements and contracts.

In accordance with Law 14/2011, of June 1, on Science, Technology, and Innovation, ISCIII is an executing agency of the General State Administration and a funding agency for scientific and technical research.

In its capacity as a funding agency, the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation entrusts it with the call for and granting of grants from the Strategic Action in Health (AES).

The AES is implemented through a single competitive annual call and develops the annual action programs of the different State Programs.

The main objectives of the AES are to promote the health and well-being of the population, as well as to develop the preventive, diagnostic, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative aspects of disease, strengthening and increasing for this purpose the international competitiveness of R&D of the National Health System and the companies related to the sector.