The SWRI was founded in 2014 after merging four research institutes (Institute of Soil Science in Athens, Institute of Agricultural Engineering in Athens, Institute of Soil Science in Thessaloniki and Institute of land reclamation in Thessaloniki). The headquarters of the Institute are located in Thermi, Thessaloniki. A research unit operates in Sindos Thessaloniki, and two Departments of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering in Athens.
It is the largest academic institution in Greece in protecting and managing soil and water resources, covering a wide range of related scientific issues.

In addition to its research activity, SWRI participates in training programs for young scientists. Its researchers co-supervise postgraduate students for MSc and PhD degrees in collaboration with Greek and European universities.
The current staff of the Institute consists of 19 Researchers, 18 Specialist Scientists, 19 administrative and technical staff and over 30 external scientific collaborators.