Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center

Scientific Studies and Research Center
Centre D'Etudes et de Recherches Scientifiques
مركز الدراسات والبحوث العلمية
Agency overview
Formed1971; 53 years ago (1971)
JurisdictionGovernment of Syria
HeadquartersJamraya, Rif Dimashq, Syria
33°20′36″N 36°08′26″E / 33.3434°N 36.1405°E / 33.3434; 36.1405
Employees20,000 (2020)[1]
Agency executives
  • Dr. Amr Armanazi, Director General[2]
  • Dr. Salam Tohme, Deputy Director General[2]
Parent departmentMinistry of Defense
Child agency

The Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), better known by its French name Centre D'Etudes et de Recherches Scientifiques (CERS),[3][4] is a Syrian government agency that has the goal of advancing and coordinating scientific and military research activities in the country.[4][5] It works on research and development for the economic and social development of Syria, especially the computerization of government agencies.[5] It is considered to have better technical capacity and equipment than the Syrian universities.[4] Jane's Information Group Intelligence Services and other analysts believe it is responsible for research and development of nuclear, biological, chemical and missile technology and weapons,[4][5] including ballistic missiles, as well as advanced conventional arms.[6]

CERS is run by a director-general with the rank of minister, who is directly responsible to the president. Current Director General is Dr. Amr Armanazi.[2] It provides most research and development functions for the Syrian military. Since the 1970s, CERS has also been responsible for the development of civilian science and technology in Syria, and it was on this basis that CERS was able to develop cooperative relationships with Western chemical companies.[7]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference alma23 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Oryx20 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Lappin, Yaakov (14 February 2013). "Making sense of the air strike in Syria". The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. Archived from the original on 16 February 2015. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference nti was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ a b c Special Weapons Agencies. GlobalSecurity. 24 July 2011.
  6. ^ Gertz, Bill (23 July 1996). "CIA Suspects Chinese Firm of Syria Missile Aid". The Washington Times.[dead link]
  7. ^ "מסמך: כך ממשיך אסד לייצר טילים עבור חיזבאללה". 28 January 2014.