[2] The aim of the foundation is to stimulate research into the processes underlying and leading to cognition, including work in such disciplines as ethology, paleontology, archaeology, anthropology, psychology, logic, and neuroscience.

To this end, the foundation offers postdoctoral stipends to French scientists wanting to do research abroad and foreign scientists wishing to work in a French laboratory.

[3][4][5] Reports on this research are published in the foundation's journal, the Annales de la Fondation Fyssen.

In addition, the foundation regularly organizes symposia and supports the publication in book form of the proceedings thereof.

Finally, the foundation yearly awards an International Scientific Prize of €100,000.