The Foundation, named CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE IN MONITORAGGIO AMBIENTALE (INTERNATIONAL CENTRE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING), is a private non-profit research organization.

The Founding Institutions of CIMA Research Foundation are the Civil Protection Department of the Italian Prime Minister's Cabinet Office, the University of Genova, the Government of the Region of Liguria, and the Administration of the Province of Savona.

CIMA Research Foundation was founded in September 2007 as the evolution of the pre-existing CIMA Research Interuniversity Centre. The knowledge, experience, and capabilities of the research personnel were transferred to the Foundation.