The functions of the Division of Health and Welfare Research are:

• Coordinate and oversee the definition of the national health research agenda and its implementation throughout the national territory;
• To promote and coordinate national development activities for health research, particularly through institutional strengthening, scientific training of national technicians, and monitoring of the research environment within the Unified Health System;
• Scientific monitoring by national technicians and the monitoring of the research environment within the Unified Health System;
• Develop and conduct clinical, biomedical, pharmacological, epidemiological, and socio-anthropological research, based on national priorities.;
• Develop and conduct research in health systems as a tool for defining health policies.;
• Develop and ensure multisectoral and transdisciplinary research through related research institutions and other bodies of recognized technical competence;
• Promote the funding of scientific research activities;
• Develop and evaluate technologies applied to the prevention and control of diseases;
• To perform other duties that are superiorly determined by the terms of this Statute and other applicable legislation.