Founded in 2003 by merging autonomous Institutes that have been operating since 1990 and the creation of new ones, the Athena Research Center consists of four Institutes dedicated to Language and Speech Processing, Industrial Systems, Information Systems, and Robotics respectively. It also comprises seven specialized units focusing on: Technology Clusters, Space Programs, Environmental and Network Technologies and Applications, Pharmacoinformatics, Sustainable Development, Artificial Intelligence, and Women’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Athena’s vision is to become an established R&D leader for digital science in Europe and beyond, recognized for its research excellence as well as technological advancements. Relying on an acclaimed mix of senior and junior researchers, an effective administrative support layer, and advanced infrastructure, Athena covers the full spectrum of digital technologies by delivering solutions that drive economic growth, enhance societal well-being, and promotes a sustainable society. Athena endeavors to constitute a point of reference for institutions and teams in the entire country, through a dense nexus of collaborations and scientific leadership in all aspects of Information and Communication Technologies.