The role of the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (Padova) is to propose, coordinate and conduct experimental and theoretical research work in the field of fundamental nuclear physics, as well as in other sectors regarding the study of interactions between matter and radiation or particle beams, such as those generated by the particle accelerators installed at the Laboratories. Research program development and management is carried out with the same spirit as at the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), the Italian National Nuclear Physics Institute, which the Laboratories relate to on an institutional basis. A special agreement has been established between the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro and the University of Padova regarding a mutual collaboration commitment. In addition, within the scope of the institutional duties of the INFN and in full compliance with the conventions stipulated with the University, the Laboratories also promote agreements and conventions with other research bodies, including international organizations.

Thanks to the constantly growing availability of human and instrumental resources, over the years the institutional duties of the Laboratories have grown to such an extent that their research activities now branch into fields that reach even beyond that of fundamental  nuclear physics to embrace issues regarding interdisciplinary applied physics as well. Today, advanced research work in the fields of biomedical physics, radiobiology, solid state physics, environmental physics, material technology, cryogenics and superconductivity and their applications in  particle acceleration have become a part of the Laboratories' tradition (see historical backgorund).

At present, there are four accelerating machines of differing potentialities in operation at the Laboratories. Among them, there is a linear heavy-ion superconductor resonant cavity accelerator that has been entirely designed, built and tested by the Laboratories' own staff.

Advanced experimental facilities are available: the EUROBALL-III spectrometer with 239 GeHp detectors (till November 15^th, 1998), which is the result of a joint effort among 7 different EC countries (IT, DE, FR, GB, DK, SE); the GASP array (40 GeHp) which can be coupled with the high resolution recoil mass spectrometer CAMEL and with the silicon telescope ball ISIS; the 8πLP and GARFIELD 4π spectrometers, for light charged particles and complex fragments; the TOF spectrometer PISOLO for nuclear reaction dynamics studies near the Coulomb barrier. The very large solid angle spectrometer PRISMA for heavy ions is under installation. 

The Material Science Laboratory is equipped for thin film deposition, ion implantation, electron microscopy, mechanical and electrical characterization of special materials.

Since their foundation, a distinguishing feature of the Laboratories has been their welcoming attitude towards researchers from various national and international scientific bodies, through the establishment of agreements and forms of collaboration with some of the most authoritative institutions of the scientific sector. Besides, granting access to their technical equipment, the Laboratories also provide organization and service facilities supported by the most advanced technical equipment (i.e. the computer centre, the mechanical and electronic workshops, the target laboratory centre, library, canteen and logistic and administrative facilities) to create the most ideal conditions for carrying out all these research activities.

The role of the PAC (Program Advisory Committee) and of the USP (User Selection Panel, recently formed) is to make proposals regarding the scientific objectives of the Laboratories, especially with regard to the acceptance and operating procedures of the experiments to be carried out with the accelerator equipment, including the availability of time, human resources and structural facilities.

Another fruitful and constantly developing attainment of the Laboratories is the agreement for co-operation established with the industrial environment; the mutual technology advantages that have been achieved demonstrate the importance of establishing contacts between research bodies and the various production sectors.

Arrangements have also been established with the school education sector, through the organization of visits, workshops and meetings.

At present, the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro are an internationally renowned scientific research body, not only for the uniqueness of their technical equipment, but also due to the original nature of the research work that is carried out, the importance of the results achieved and the opportunities to establish solid relationships between the people operating in the field of physics and advanced technology research.

The Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro have recently been recognized at European level for "Transantional Access for Research Infrastructures" being the centre of "unique and rare research apparatus".