The CIS undertakes a range of programmes both to encourage and promote research in social sciences and to train technicians and experts in the field of sociology and political science.

In order to fulfil these objectives, the CIS sponsors the following programmes:

• Training scholarships for postgraduates in subjects of interest for the institution. Announced annually.
• Postgraduate course for training experts in applied social research  and data analysis. Announced annually.
• Research grants for exploitation of the CIS Data Bank and for the conclusion of doctoral theses on subjects of interest for the institution. Announced annually.
• National Sociology and Political Science Prize, announced biannually.
• Prize to the best article published in the Revista Española de Investigaciones Sociológicas (REIS). Announced annually.