- CNRST is Morocco’s national authority for scientific research coordination, funding, and international collaboration.
- It supports Moroccan innovation through grants, infrastructure, awards, and participation in global science networks.
CNRST: Promoting science and innovation
The Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technique (CNRST) is Morocco’s public body for scientific and technical research, founded in 1976 and reorganised in 2001. Operating under the Ministry of Higher Education, it defines national research priorities, supports technology transfer, and enhances research infrastructure.
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CNRST: Driving international scientific recognition
Each year, CNRST organises the Morocco Scopus Awards to honour outstanding contributions indexed in Scopus. In 2022, nineteen Moroccan researchers were recognised, underscoring the council’s commitment to elevate the country’s international research visibility. Director Jamila El Alami highlighted this as a celebration of continued support for high-quality national research.
CNRST: Fostering strategic partnerships and programmes
CNRST regularly enters bilateral accords—such as with Italy’s CNR and ICESCO—to back joint projects in fields like AI, renewable energy, and health. It administers funds, grants, and scholarships (about 200 annually), strengthening university and lab capabilities across Morocco.
CNRST: Expanding research infrastructure
The centre supports national networks such as the University High-Energy Physics Network (RUPHE), enabling Moroccan participation in major international experiments like CERN’s ATLAS. It also boosts research capacity through strategic planning, evaluation, and infrastructure funding .
CNRST: Transparency and governance
Based in Rabat, CNRST functions as a financially autonomous public institution with scientific integrity overseen by a formal council. Its board of directors governs partnerships, calls for projects, and performance assessment.
