The Oscar Niemeyer Social Institute for Projects and Research, which uses the acronym ISON, was creat in 2004 and, as of 2008, was expressly authorize by the famous architect Oscar Niemeyer to include his name in the Institute's corporate name. In the year 2016, this autolrization was confirm by a judicial decision, and such authorization was approve in a juditial court.

It carries out projects in the various technological and human areas as foreseen in its Statutes, and the financial results must be destined to new projects or in the maintenance of a Special Fund, which is apply exclusively in social projects. In this way, it is intend, in the future, to make the Institute self-sustainable for the execution of the social actions advocated by Oscar Niemeyer.

ISON, in addition to the internal guidance and administration bodies, has a Scientific Council and consultants, currently composed of more than 120 masters and doctors in several areas. These advisers and consultants, although not participating in the management of the Institute, present and give opinions on projects to be develop by ISON. ISON, in turn, seeks in these renowned experts the partnerships to better analyze and execute projects proposed by third parties.

ISON's resources are obtain through the results of projects, donations and partnerships (PPP, SPE) in projects, as well as in the collection of resources from public or private organizations for projects of social or environmental interest. For this purpose, at actualy it has international correspondents and a representation in Portugal.