SERN

SERN is a global research organization and the central antagonist of the Steins;Gate universe.

Background
Although their main interest is science, they have also taken part in various clandestine operations, such as assassinations and world domination. SERN was revealed to have been collaborating with the Illuminati in secret for many decades.

SERN also has connections with many mercenary groups worldwide, one such example are the Rounders led by FB.

Through the use of Kerr Black Holes and the Large Hardron Collider, they have been conducting various experiments in time traveling, most notably the attempts at sending living beings (i.e humans) back in time, though their methods were not efficient and the test subjects were horribly killed.

Trivia

 * SERN was a deliberate misspelling of CERN, is an international organization whose purpose is to operate the world's largest particle physics laboratory.
 * SERN full name is Société Européenne de Recherche Nucléaire (based on the visual novel glossary)