The National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Modes is an academic entity of research ascribed to the School of Civil Engineering of the University of Costa Rica.

It was founded in the 1950`s. It is a national laboratory specialized on applied research, teaching and technological transference in civil and road infrastructure protection and vital lines.

It promotes research of the possible mechanisms of action of chemical, biological, biotechnological substances for human and veterinarian consumption through biological testing. Its services are on the area of research and animal models. It also gives training through courses on the science of animals of experimentation, ethics, legal and animal welfare, among others.