The Institut national de la recherche scientifique (French, National Institute of Scientific Research) is the research-oriented branch of Université du Québec which only offer graduate studies. INRS conducts research in four broad sectors: water, earth and the environment; energy, materials and telecommunications; human, animal and environmental health; and urbanization, culture and society.

INRS has facilities in Quebec City, Montreal, Laval, and Varennes. The enabling legislation is An Act respecting educational institutions at the university level.

The Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications (EMT, Energy, Materials and Telecommunications) INRS-EMT is part of INRS.