The International Research and Training Centre for Science and Technology Strategy (CISTRAT) under the Auspices of UNESCO is the first Category 2 center of UNESCO to focus on research and training for science and technology policy and innovation strategy, and also the first S&T and policy Category 2 center in China. The Centre is based in CASTED for its daily works.

Since its inauguration in September 2012, CISTRAT has been sharing Chinese experience on STI policy and practice by holding free training workshops for third-world countries and underdeveloped regions annually. Till the end of 2017, CISTRAT has held 6 training workshops, benefiting nearly 100 international trainees and nearly 50 Chinese trainees, which facilitates communication on STI policy around the globe.