The establishment of the Slovenian Research Agency resulted in the reorganisation of the former ministry of education, science and sport and the establishment of a new Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology responsible for research. A new organisational unit, the Department for Science, was set up within the Directorate for Science and Higher Education.

The Department defines the expert bases for the adoption of political documents in the field of research policy. It drafts laws and implementing regulations on research activities. It establishes and enhances the system of comprehensive analyses and monitoring of the situation and development in research, develops new tools for attaining research policy goals and plans the required financial resources for research.