LIP exists for the discovery of the fundamental laws of the Universe, to ensure the full participation of the portuguese scientific community in this endeavor, and to share this knowledge with society in different ways. The laboratory is the reference institution for experimental particle physics and related technologies in Portugal. Under the supervision of FCT, it defines the national policy in this area and the portuguese participation at CERN and in other international scientific infrastructures. LIP’s program of experimental particle and astroparticle physics is world class quality and addresses some of the most topical questions. LIP gives key contributions in the development of new Instruments and methods for particle detection, including their application to radiation technologies in health and in Space exploration. LIP is also a reference institution for scientific computing in Portugal. LIP is committed to technology transfer and to strengthening the links between the academia and industry. Advanced training, support to education in science and technology and public engagement with science are central for LIP’s programme. LIP is nation wide, with nodes in Lisboa Coimbra and Braga, in close collaboration with the local Universities. It has about 200 members, half of which are PhD researchers. Most of the other are graduate students. The associates of LIP are FCT, the Universities of Minho, Coimbra and Lisboa, IST, FCUL and ANIMEE