INFP is an institution established in 1977, with the main purpose of developing and promoting research and innovation in the field of science and technology, specifically in the area of the Earth and its physical phenomena. The institute's activities are focused on developing and promoting research in the following areas:

• Physics, including but not limited to, the Earth, its physical phenomena, and the related fields of science.
• Chemistry, including but not limited to, materials, the chemical composition of the Earth, its physical phenomena, and the related fields of science.
• Astronomy, including but not limited to, the Earth, its atmosphere, its outer space, and the related fields of science.

The National Institute for Research and Development for Earth Physics (INFP) is a member of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and is one of the most important UNDP partner institutions.

The main source of income for INFP is the Government of Romania.