The Romanian Geological Institute, a National Research-Development Institute in the field of Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, and Remote Sensing, was established in 1906 by Royal Decree, signed by His Majesty King Carol I of Romania, with the aim of fulfilling the duties of a national geological service, after geologist Valeriu Popovici-Hațeg compiled a detailed report in 1902 regarding the necessity of researching and monitoring the geological structure to optimize the management of natural resources within the country’s territory.

The Institute operates under the coordination of the Ministry of Research and Innovation.

In 2006, the Section for Installations of National Interest was created within the Romanian Geological Institute, which includes the National Museum of Geology and the Surlari Geomagnetic Observatory.