LNEC’s mission is to undertake, coordinate and promote scientific research and technological development, with a view to the improvement and good practice of Civil Engineering. Its double aspect, research and experimentation, is one of its main characteristics and added value. As an independent R&D entity, LNEC’s priority is to do science in order to contribute to the creation, development and dissemination of research in fields related to civil engineering. Within the scope of its mission of assisting the Government, LNEC provides technical support to entities in the various sectors of Public Administration. The partnerships with national and international entities give it the capacity to promote and stimulate the globalization of Science and Knowledge, positioning it as a relevant partner in its area of activity.

LNEC was created in 1946 from two different bodies: the Laboratory for Testing and Studying Materials. It was built upon a culture of research and transfer of Knowledge and Technology, called to collaborate in the pursuit of national objectives, such as the first public works programmes, which started after World War II (dams, roads, river and sea hydraulics, large structures).

From the very beginning, LNEC was based on a double strand – research and experimentation – which is still one of its main characteristics and added value.

LNEC’s mission is to undertake, coordinate and promote scientific research and technological development, with a view to the continuous improvement and good practice of Civil Engineering.

Within the scope of its mission of assisting the Government in the pursuit of public policies, it is responsible for providing technical support to the authorities in the various sectors of Public Administration. In its competence to pursue the public interest, by providing Science and Technology services to public and private, national and foreign entities, contributing to innovation, dissemination of Knowledge and technology transfer.

Currently, LNEC, I.P. has a President and two Board Members and its structure includes 8 operative services that correspond to its main areas of activity.

As an independent R&D entity, LNEC’s priority is to do science in order to contribute to the creation, development and diffusion of research in fields related to civil engineering, such as Public works: dams; ports; airports; road and railway infrastructures; Buildings; housing and urbanism; water resources, coastline and environment; transports; materials, components and other products for construction.

The networks and partnerships that it has been establishing with national and international entities give it the ability to promote and boost the globalisation of Science and Knowledge, positioning it as a relevant partner in its area of activity.