The United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) is a research and training unit of the United Nations University. UNU-CRIS specialises in studying the processes and consequences of regional integration and cooperation.

UNU-CRIS, established in Bruges in 2001, is a research and training programme of the United Nations University. UNU is a global network of centres engaged in research and capacity development to support the universal goals of the UN and generate new knowledge and ideas by providing a framework to bring together leading scholars from around the world to tackle pressing global problems.

UNU functions as a decentralised 'network of networks' with a truly interdisciplinary and global perspective. The UNU system comprises the UNU Centre in Tokyo and a world-wide network of Research and Training Centres and Programmes assisted by numerous associated and cooperating institutions.

The Council of the UNU determines the overall principles and policies guiding the whole university. The Advisory Committee of UNU-CRIS comprising well-known social scientists from different regions of the world, is entrusted by the UNU Council to advise on the research and training activities of UNU-CRIS. The Director of UNU-CRIS has overall responsibility for the research and management of the Institute, and implements the research programme within the policies and guidelines set out by the Advisory Committee and the Council.

Research is conducted by a Bruges-based resident academic staff and associated researchers. UNU-CRIS receives its core funding from the Flemish Government (Kingdom of Belgium). UNU and the Flemish Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the College of Europe that arranges an institutional collaboration between UNU-CRIS and the College. UNU-CRIS collaborates with the College, Flemish universities and research institutes worldwide. The UNU-CRIS premises are located at Grootseminarie in Bruges, the former Abby of the Dunes with the support of the Province of West-Vlaanderen.

As a UN Agency, UNU-CRIS is also a member of the United Nations Team in Belgium.