DIMNP is a research structure of the University of Pisa, with more than 50 academic and research staff members and about 30 technical-administrative staff members. Since its institution, the Department has been characterised by a strong orientation of the activities towards collaborations with Italian and European Industries in applicative research projects with wide scientific and technological significance.

The main research activities regard safety analysis in nuclear and conventional fields, management of risk and emergency in industrial plants, characterisation and machining of conventional and innovative materials, design of machines and two- and four-wheel vehicles, and related studies on strength, reliability, lubrication, robotics and automation in industrial processes, and rapid prototyping technologies. Beyond these topics, several applicative studies have been carried out in many different fields. The availability of multi-purpose instruments and qualified personnel has made it possible to solve practical industrial problems. Among the most important collaborations, the following companies can be mentioned: the Italian University Ministry (MIUR), the European Union , ANPA, ENEA, ENEL, FIAT, FIAT-AVIO, PIAGGIO, NUOVO PIGNONE, BREDA, ANSALDO, AGIP.

The central building of DIMNP is located inside the campus of the faculty of Engineering, in Via Diotisalvi. Other buildings with further offices and laboratories are located in Via Bonanno Pisano, about 500 meters from the faculty, and in Tombolo pine-wood, between Pisa and seaside. Since May 2001 this last building is the site of the CRTM (Research Centre on Advanced Technology Mechanical Transmissions) established by DIMNP in collaboration with FIAT-AVIO.