The Institute conducts basic and applied research in the fields of geophysics, seismology, earthquake engineering, geodesy and geography in order to support the sustainable development of Bulgaria. It also performs research and operational services of state and society for monitoring and expert information, analysis and evaluations. NIGGG was founded in 2010 by uniting the Geophysical Institute (founded in 1960), the Institute of Geography (founded in 1950), the Central laboratory of Geodesy (founded in 1948), and the Central laboratory of Seismic Mechanics and Earthquake Engineering (founded in 1982). The scientific unit encompasses 5 departments.

• Seismology
• Geophysics
• Geodesy
• Geography
• Seismic engineering

Since 2010 the previous Central Laboratory of Geodesy at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences at the present is a Department of Geodesy  at the National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian academy of Sciences (NIGGG-BAS). NIGGG was founded in 2010 by uniting the Geophysical Institute (founded in 1960), the Central Laboratory of Geodesy (founded in 1948), the Institute of Geography (founded in 1950), and the Central laboratory of Seismic Mechanics and Earthquake Engineering (founded in 1982). The scientific unit encompasses 5 departments - Seismology, Geophysics, Geodesy, Geography and Seismic Engineering.