The CENIEH is a research centre belonging to the national network of Unique Scientific & Technical Infrastructures (ICTS). It is open to scientific and technological use by the international scientific and technological community. Its research activities are mainly on human evolution during the Late Neogene and Quaternary, and include collaborative projects at excavations and deposits of these periods worldwide. Special attention is given to reaching society by awareness raising and knowledge transfer. I
In addition, the CENIEH is responsible for the conservation, restoration, management and the recording of archaeological and paleontological collections, in particular from Atapuerca.

The CENIEH is managed by a consortium composed of the Central Government through the Ministry of Science & Innovation, and the Region of Castilla y León, through its department of Education.

This consortium manages the cooperation of these two administrations on scientific, economic, tecnical and administrative level. More information about the governing Charter and the Consortium may be found in the following documents: Resolution of 20 January 2010, Secretary of State for Research - BOE no. 37 of 11 February 2010; and Resolution of 12 April 2010, Directorate General for Institutional Relations and External Affairs - BOCyL no. 95 May 20, 2010.