Human Behaviour in Fire

Human behaviour in fire and other hazardous situations remains one of the least explored areas in safety science, where empirical knowledge is still limited. At the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), the present research aims to develop innovative tools that enhance risk awareness and enable the systematic study of human behaviour without exposing participants to real danger.

Ongoing research combines traditional methodologies—such as structured questionnaires—with immersive approaches based on serious games and virtual reality environments. These methods allow the capture of behavioural responses, decision-making processes, and interaction patterns under simulated emergency conditions that approximate real-world stress while ensuring full participant safety.

The knowledge generated is essential not only for advancing scientific understanding but also for supporting engineers, architects, emergency planners, and policymakers in the design of safer built environments and more effective evacuation strategies. Furthermore, these tools provide novel training and educational mechanisms to improve preparedness and promote the implementation of safety procedures capable of reducing casualties and protecting human life.

LNEC is also fully available to participate in collaborative European research initiatives, including Horizon Europe projects, with partners interested in advancing investigation in this domain or in related areas of safety, risk analysis, and human behaviour in the built environment. Through international cooperation, LNEC seeks to contribute its scientific expertise, experimental infrastructure, and technological development capacity to multidisciplinary consortia addressing current and emerging societal challenges.

LNEC – National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (Portugal) is a public research institution with extensive expertise in civil engineering, built environment resilience, infrastructure sustainability, materials, water resources, and environmental systems. LNEC has strong experience in applied research, testing, modelling, and technical support to public authorities and industry, as well as participation in European R&D programmes. The institution is equipped with advanced laboratories and multidisciplinary scientific teams capable of contributing across the full project lifecycle—from concept and experimentation to validation and implementation.

LNEC is available to join Horizon Europe consortia and collaborate with partners interested in developing research and innovation in these and related domains.