The LESTE conducts research that integrates fundamental and applied sciences, using both disciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches with a strong focus on thermal and energy systems. Central to its programs are themes such as heat and mass transfer phenomena, energy transition, and  energy efficiency. There is also a growing commitment to addressing issues related to innovation processes and sustainable development.

The research is centered around the field of "Energy Engineering," incorporating aspects of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. This enables the laboratory to tackle physical challenges within these disciplines and develop innovative numerical methods for designing, modeling, and optimizing energy and thermal systems across various sectors including energy, transportation, textile industry, and process engineering. The laboratory's application domains encompass energy, water, environment, and building sectors.

Since its creation, LESTE has been a key player in research, development, and innovation, addressing strategic and industrial challenges in the country. The laboratory engages in several thematic areas:

I. Heat and Fluid Flows:
This research axis builds upon the laboratory's expertise in flows and heat/mass transfers. It involves developing models in porous media, multi-scale modeling in heat pipes, microfluidics, and experimental fluid mechanics.

II. Energy Systems:
The "Energy Systems" research axis focuses on evaluating the energy efficiency of processes, particularly in areas such as desalination, air conditioning, renewable energy integration, and energy considerations related to manufactured products.

III. Energy and Environment:
This research axis explores multi-scale studies on energy demand in the road transport sector and its environmental impacts, waste valorization in buildings, and recycling of textile industry waste.

IV. Hydrogen :
This research axis is dedicated to hydrogen, encompassing technical aspects of storage, combustion, and utilization in fuel cells.