ICIST (Institute for Structure Engineering, Territory and Building Technologies) is a research unit based at IST (Instituto Superior Tecnico), in Lisbon. Through NESS, its Earthquake Engineering and Seismology Group, ICIST is concerned with studies of seismicity, seismic risk and seismotectonics, with emphasis on mainland Portugal and the Azores. In addition, the research goals of NESS include experimental studies of the seismic behaviour of concrete and masonry structures, base isolation systems, etc. Within the scope of a cooperation programme with the authorities of the Republic of Cape Verde, ICIST is also actively involved in volcanic monitoring and volcanic risk mitigation.