R&D
Associate Laboratories
Associate Laboratory Status
The associate laboratory status is granted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation to research institutions that, subject to an assessment and selection process, advise the government in scientific areas for the preparation of public policies.
Associate laboratories usually comprise research units or institutes from different universities. Técnico is proud to be part of 13* Associate Laboratories (4 of Técnico’s affiliate research units are Associate Laboratories; 9 are part of consortia that are Associate Laboratories) that combine three key aspects:
- a strategic research agenda;
- excellence in research;
- the necessary dimension to address research challenges with international impact.
Associate Laboratories
Instituto de Engenharia de Computadores e Sistemas em Lisboa (INESC-ID)
Research at INESC-ID covers a diverse range of topics in both computer science and engineering, with activities in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems, electrical engineering, human-computer interaction, data science and reliable software. INESC-ID combines fundamental and applied research, promoting technological innovation and knowledge transfer to society and industry.
Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion (IPFN)
IPFN is a research and scientific development unit that works in the areas of plasma physics and engineering, nuclear fusion, associated technologies and emerging applications. Its activities include research into plasma physics, diagnostics and instrumentation, microwave and radiofrequency technologies, space propulsion and biomedical applications, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and technological innovation in academic, industrial and societal contexts. IPFN ensures Portuguese participation in EUROFusion, the European Consortium for the Development of Fusion Energy.
Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT)
IT is a private non-profit organisation of public interest focused on the advancement of telecommunications technologies, with a special emphasis on areas such as wireless networks, optics and photonics, communication systems and data science. The lines of research cover topics such as mobile and optical communications, networks, signal processing, embedded systems, electronics and information theory. With a strong fundamental and applied research component, IT contributes to advanced training and technological innovation, maintaining an active collaboration with academia and industry, in both national and international contexts.
Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics (LIP)
LIP is the reference laboratory for research in particle physics and related technologies, and the Portuguese reference partner of CERN. LIP’s research includes a world-class fundamental research programme in particle and astroparticle physics, as well as technological applications to healthcare, space exploration, information technologies and big data analytics. At the centre of LIP’s mission are also advanced scientific and technical training and a strong commitment to engaging society with science and community development. LIP collaborates at CERN, ESA, GSI, SNOLAB, SURF, Fermilab, and the Pierre Auger and SWGO observatories.
Research Units integrated into Associate Laboratories
Marine, Environment and Technology Center (MARETEC)
*Integrated into the Associate Laboratory: Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems (LARSyS).
MARETEC is dedicated to developing models and tools to support the sustainable management of natural resources, with a special focus on aquatic and marine systems. MARETEC’s scientific activity includes numerical modelling, environmental monitoring, data analysis and technological development, with applications in the areas of hydrology, oceanography, water quality, climate change and ecosystem management. MARETEC, together with three other partner research institutions – IN+, ISR and ITI – is a member of LARSyS (Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems).
Centre for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research (IN+)
*Integrated into the Associate Laboratory: Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems (LARSyS).
IN+ is a cross-disciplinary research unit that promotes the integration of scientific research into technology, innovation and public policies with the final goal of developing sustainable applications with an impact on society. IN+ brings together researchers from various academic backgrounds, who join efforts in the areas of technological innovation, industrial sustainability and public policies for economic and social development. IN+, together with three other partner research institutions, ISR, ITI and MARETEC, is a member of LARSyS (Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems).
Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR – Lisboa)
*Integrated into the Associate Laboratory: Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems (LARSyS).
ISR-Lisboa is a Research, Development and Innovation institution founded in 1992. At ISR-Lisboa, five research groups develop advanced multidisciplinary research activities in the fields of Robotic Systems and Information Processing. ISR-Lisboa offers an inspiring, international and multicultural research ecosystem, with over one hundred researchers engaged in cutting-edge research, training and outreach activities. ISR-Lisboa, together with three other partner research institutions, IN+, ITI and MARETEC, is a member of LARSyS (Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems).
Interactive Technologies Institute (ITI)
*Integrated into the Associate Laboratory: Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems (LARSyS).
ITI is an interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to exploring the interactions between people and digital technologies, which brings together researchers from areas such as engineering, design, social sciences, arts and humanities. ITI develops innovative projects that aim to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically appealing future for all. Its initiatives include collaboration in the development of public data visualisation platforms. ITI, together with three other partner research institutions IN+, ISR-Lisboa and MARETEC, is a member of LARSyS (Laboratory for Robotics and Engineering Systems).
Mechanical Engineering Institute (IdMEC)
*Integrated into the Associate Laboratory: LAETA (Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics).
IdMEC is a research unit affiliated with Instituto Superior Técnico of Universidade de Lisboa, founded in 1992. IdMEC is dedicated to fundamental and applied research in mechanical engineering, with a focus on areas such as mechanical design, intelligent systems, manufacturing and industrial management, energy and fluid mechanics, and aerospace science and technology. Its vision is to be among the most internationally renowned mechanical engineering research centres in selected topics of energy, transport technologies, and aeronautics.
Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFema)
*Integrated into the Associate Laboratory: Laboratory for Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies.
CeFEMA is a research unit focused on the study of functional materials and understanding their physical and structural properties at different scales. With research covering areas such as condensed matter physics, materials science and nanotechnology, CeFEMA combines experimental and theoretical approaches in the development of new materials with potential for technological applications.
Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE)
*Integrated into the Associate Laboratory: Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS).
CQE’s mission is to strengthen the contribution of chemistry to the well-being of society, both in its fundamental and applied aspects in scientific and technological development through research, development, innovation, knowledge transfer and advanced training. CQE is a Multi and Interdisciplinary Research Unit that also promotes transdisciplinarity between knowledge related areas, such as materials sciences, biology and medical sciences.
Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB)
*Integrated into the Associated Laboratory: Institute for Health and Bioeconomy (i4HB).
iBB is a research unit created in 2013 that aims to excel in research and advanced education in biotechnology. It seeks to respond to the challenge of exploring innovative approaches to key scientific and technological questions in Biosciences and Bioengineering, such as human health and bioeconomy, and to transform scientific knowledge into tangible innovation.
Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores – Microsistemas e Nanotecnologia (INESC-MN)
*Integrated into the Associate Laboratory: Institute for Health and Bioeconomy (i4HB).
INESC-MN is a private non-profit organisation, declared officially of public interest, dedicated to scientific research, technological development and technology transfer in the areas of microelectronics, micro and nanotechnologies. Its activities are centred on strategic areas such as magnetoresistive sensors and spin electronics, MEMS and bioMEMS, functional materials, photonics and metamaterials, microfluidics and microsystems for biological, biomedical and agri-food applications.