CERIS is a research unit of IST-ID, The Association of Instituto Superior Técnico for Research and Development. IST-ID is a private not-for-profit institution, which primarily aims to undertake scientific and technological activities, fostering knowledge transfer and promoting the involvement of national and foreign researchers in RD & I and projects in their areas of expertise. The mission and the objectives of CERIS address research, innovation and knowledge transfer needs in the following areas of the Built and Natural Environment sector: Product Development in Civil Engineering Industries; Risk and Safety in the Built and Natural Environment; Rehabilitation of Built and Natural Environments; Response to Natural and Societal Changes. CERIS having ranked “Excellent” in the previous FCT evaluation. CERIS promotes inter-territorial development by integrating PhD researchers affiliated to the following institutions: U. Algarve, U. Beira Interior, U. Évora, U. Nova de Lisboa, U. Madeira, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Coimbra, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria. In addition, CERIS hosts researchers from U. Estadual Campinas (Brazil), University College London, University of Western Australia, besides several private companies and foundations.