The associate laboratory CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, formerly CICECO-Centre for Research in Ceramics and Composite Materials, was created in March 2002 at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, with the mission of developing the scientific and technological knowledge necessary for the innovative production and transformation of ceramics and organic-inorganic hybrids and materials for a sustainable development. our mission To develop the scientific and technological knowledge necessary for the innovative production and transformation of materials for a sustainable development and the benefit of society (from ceramics to soft matter and hybrids). our vision To strengthen our leading role as an inter-disciplinary European research laboratory in the field of materials; Contribute to the development of a scientific culture at the national level and educate students to high levels of scientific literacy; Stimulate innovation within the industrial sector. scientific production CICECO is one of the most productive research institutes in the country in all scientific areas. international context CICECO is a truly international research centre. For example: 40% of our full-time researchers and 31% of post-docs are non-Portuguese; we are part of the main stream materials research in Europe; we are actively involved in the Network of Excellence knowledge transfer CICECO is also committed to knowledge transfer to industry, through its Centre for Materials Design and Technology - CDTM. equipment CICECO is probably the best equipped institute in the country to perform research in materials science. In particular, we are the focal point of the Portuguese Electron Microscopy Network and also house the top solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance facilities. We are also one of the best equipped national centres for X-ray diffraction (single crystal, powders and films).