INSA has been promoted by twenty-two research groups that belong to the faculties of Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry, and Geography and History at the UB; eleven of which have been awarded “Consolidated Group” status by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Regional Government).

• To promote research in its fields of interest, strengthen collaboration between researchers at the institute, and establish multidisciplinary groups.
• To increase participation in institutional and public research programmes and particularly in European research projects.
• To further the development of joint projects with enterprises operating in fields related to the activities undertaken by INSA.
• To market the existing potential of the UB in this field, particularly in the training of technicians and specialists, and in service provision.
• To boost the transfer of knowledge and dissemination of research results in society and in public administration bodies.
• To provide a consultancy service to consumers, enterprises and public administration regarding issues related to Nutrition and Food Quality and Safety.

INSA aims to provide efficient analysis and transmission of information. In addition, it also endeavours to offer training opportunities to undergraduate and doctoral students in scientific and technological issues within its competence.