Other Names: CERS, Scientific Studies and Research Center
Location: Damascus
Phone number: +963 11 772 603
Fax number: +963 11 2223771
Website: http://www.ifip.or.at/members/syria.htm
Subordinate to: President of the Syrian Republic
Director: Mr. Amr Armanazi
Size: Unknown
Primary Function: Agency responsible for all procurement, research, development, and production activities associated with the Syrian BW program; possible BW research facility; missile warhead bomblet production facility.

Description:
Initially established in 1971, the overt goals of the CERS are to promote and coordinate scientific activities in the country, particularly those related to education, research, development, consulting, manufacturing, and maintenance. One objective was to work on research and development projects needed for the economic and social development of the country, particularly focusing on the computerization of governmental enterprises and institutions. However, the center has been identified by Western agencies as the key organization in the development of Syrian WMD programs.

Key Sources: "Investigation: Syrian CW programs," Middle East Defense News (Paris), 28 September 1992, pp. 5-6; Anthony Cordesman, Syria and Weapons of Mass Destruction (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2000), p. 7; Dany Shoham, "Gas, Guile and Germs: Syria's Ultimate Weapons," Middle East Quarterly (Summer 2002), <http://www.meforum.org>.

	Updated December 2003