CICS.NOVA's mission is to conduct interdisciplinary research in social sciences, to promote critical thinking, and disseminate knowledge generated in the communities in which it operates, both nationally and internationally, namely through the actions of its regional Poles. The interdisciplinary framework of this unit brings together expertise in sociology and geography—core areas—with other social sciences and the humanities, while also forging strong connections with the life sciences, environmental sciences, and engineering. This integration imparts a particularly original and comprehensive character to its scientific research. The Center also places great emphasis on education and advanced training, as evidenced by its coordination and participation in various PhD, master's, and non-credit courses, as well as hosting researchers in training. Simultaneously, it reinforces the co-creation and transfer of knowledge in collaboration with political decision-makers, companies, and other civil society organizations through activities carried out by its Observatories and Laboratories, whose primary focus is on research with social impact. These strategic instruments further strengthen CICS.NOVA's role in co-creating and transferring knowledge by establishing solid partnerships with political decision-makers, companies, and civil society organizations, thereby contributing to the understanding and transformation of territorial systems, human behavior, and institutional functioning. CICS.NOVA is also distinguished by its robust approach to the dissemination and communication of science and knowledge through its strong presence in the scientific community—which includes organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as promoting the publication of scientific journals and books—and in the public sphere, through mobilizing communities of practice, publishing decision-support documents, developing online resources, and supporting the participation of its researchers in the media.