uses a number of instruments to promote basic research and research-based innovation and commercialisation. Different grant application types and different structural schemes are used to support the needs of the research communities; has the strategic and administrative responsibility for the government basic funding received by about 50 research institutes; funds several centre schemes: Centres for Excellence in Research (SFF), Centres for Research-Driven Innovation (SFI) and Research Centres for Environmentally Friendly Energy (FME). In addition, several research centres receive funding from the Research Council; funds national investments in research infrastructure.