O Advanced Computing Laboratory of the University of Coimbra was founded in 2007 to provide high-performance computing resources and services to enable intensive computational research within the University. Today, it also supports researchers from all over the country.

LCA-UC is a member of PRACE - Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe, whose mission is to enable high-impact scientific discovery and engineering research and development in all disciplines to enhance European competitiveness for the benefit of society.

LCA participates in the following activities:

• Evaluates, acquires and deploys high performance computing resources, including computer systems and software.
• It offers workshops and training seminars to educate and prepare new users of these resources.
• It provides expert advice and documentation to help researchers use these resources effectively.
• Collaborates with other computing centres and other universities to enhance the capabilities of the resources in use at the Laboratory.