The Centre for Science and Technology Studies was established as a structural unit of the Latvian Academy of Sciences in 1991 as a Scientometrics Research Group. Initially the main emphasis was placed on studies of science and technology indicators of Latvia and other Baltic countries, especially in the post-socialist period. Subsequently expansion of the research area from indicator studies to broader investigation of science and technology systems took place.

In the late 1990ties, the research group turned to studies on science and innovation policy both nationally and later in the context of the European Union (Lisbon strategy, EU structural Funds, ERA) as well as issues on science-society relations. As its core activity the Centre takes part in a range of international as well as national projects in the above-mentioned thematic areas of research.