The National Centre of Scientific Research "Demokritos" (NRCPS; Greek: Εθνικό Κέντρο Έρευνας Φυσικών Επιστημών (Ε.Κ.Ε.Φ.Ε.) "Δημόκριτος") is a research center in Greece, employing over 1,000 researchers, engineers, technicians and administrative personnel. It focuses on several fields of natural sciences and engineering and hosts laboratory facilities. The facilities cover approximately 150 acres (61 hectares) of land at Aghia Paraskevi, Athens, ten kilometers from the center of the city, on the northern side of Hymettus mountain. The buildings cover an area of approximately 35.000 m2 (8.6 acres). The Centre started its operation in 1959 as an independent division of the public sector under the name Nuclear Research Center "Demokritos", named in honour of the Greek philosopher Democritus. In 1985 it was renamed and given self-governing jurisdiction under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Research and Technology. The original objective of the newly created center was the advancement of nuclear research and technology for peaceful purposes. Today, its activities cover several fields of science and engineering. The NCSR is a self-administered governmental legal entity, under the supervision of the General Secretariat of Research and Technology of the Ministry of Education. Source: Wikipedia (en)