LIP, short for Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas, is the leading institution for experimental particle physics and associated technologies in Portugal. Established in May 1986, LIP was created to take advantage of Portugal's membership in CERN, the European particle physics laboratory. LIP has brought experimental particle physics in Portugal to an international level and continues to lead in this field.

At LIP, researchers participate in cutting-edge experiments that aim to address the major challenges of particle physics today. They study the properties of the recently discovered Higgs boson and search for new particles at the LHC, where they recreate the conditions that existed just after the Big Bang. Additionally, they investigate the nature of dark matter, neutrinos, and high-energy cosmic rays.

LIP also plays a crucial role in developing new instruments and methodologies with applications in other scientific domains. The institution's mission is to conduct research in experimental particle physics and associated instrumentation, while providing the Portuguese scientific community access to international facilities and collaborations. In addition, LIP is committed to advancing computational capabilities, training scientific and technical personnel, and promoting science outreach and education.

With locations in Lisbon, Coimbra, and Minho, LIP collaborates closely with local universities. The Lisbon branch, founded in 1986, has evolved to become a reference point for physics experiments worldwide, with involvement in projects ranging from the LHC at CERN to initiatives with the European Space Agency (ESA). The Coimbra branch, established in 1986, specializes in the development of new instruments and methods in particle physics, particularly in radiation detection.

They also engage in medical physics applications and space exploration. The Minho branch, established in 2010, focuses on particle physics with accelerators, including participation in the ATLAS experiment. Overall, LIP is dedicated to furthering the understanding of particles, pushing technological boundaries, and nurturing scientific talent for a better future