The National Research Fund (FNR) was set up by the Law of the 31st May 1999 with the goal to promote R&D activities on a national level and stimulate a continuing debate and orientation process of national R&D policies. Additionally, the FNR seeks to enhance existing scientific competence, promote new competence and knowledge, and develop synergies between national and international R&D activities in Luxembourg. The FNR promotes the Luxembourg participation in international R&D cooperation programmes.
By establishing multi-annual research programmes, the FNR shapes national R&D policy. Research projects within the public research centres, the University of Luxembourg and other organisations of research and technological development in the public sector are eligible for funding. The FNR guarantees the systematic and continuing evaluation of results obtained in order to allow any readjustment of R&D priorities that is felt necessary.