The Bariloche Foundation is a private non-profit institution whose objective is to promote all branches of scientific teaching and research on the basis of a solid humanistic culture, and within the scope of democratic principles.

The institution carries out a comprehensive study program on issues related to human and social development, particularly having to do with the environment, energy and urban development. It also covers areas of basic and applied research into national and regional interest topics.

Four programs are currently underway: Quality of Life, Energy – carried out by the Institute for Energy Economics – Philosophy, and Environment and Development. Through these programs, basic and applied research is carried out, technical assistance is provided to provincial, national and international bodies, and post-graduate training is granted, both, at the Foundation Headquarters, and by attending courses and seminars at Buenos Aires University, Comahue National University, Universidad Nacional del Sur and Balseiro Institute, as well as at other higher education institutions of Argentina and abroad.