SCIENTER is a research centre and service provider organisation, active in the field of education and training. Created by the initiative of a group of professionals, SCIENTER was established in January 1988 as non-profit organisation, of which the University of Bologna is one of the shareholders, and is represented in the Board of Directors.

SCIENTER is interested in the innovation of training systems, with main reference to the field of open and distance learning, organisational learning and the use of information and communication technologies to reduce the barriers and facilitate the access to learning opportunities by all. SCIENTER has a significant experience in research projects at regional, national, and European levels in the following areas:

• evaluation of learning systems;
• assessment of training and educational institutions;
• training needs analysis;
• design and development of open and flexible learning systems;
• organisational learning design and implementation;
• training of trainers for the use of new methodologies and new technologies;
• research and selection of learning materials;
• market analysis in education and training, particularly concerning the use of new technologies and ODL, use of information and communication technology in school, university and vocational training institutes.

SCIENTER's internal structure is articulated into four units:

1. Knowledge Society and social inclusion unit
2. Formative design and evaluation unit
3. Observatory Unit
4. Support to innovation and policy assessment unit

In 1992 SCIENTER opened a small support unit in Brussels, and in 1996 established a new company (SCIENTER España) in Granada, shared by the University of Granada. Since 1995 it has also been active in Latin America (initially in Argentina and Chile in the framework of the Patagonia Project).