The overall goal of LaScISO (Large Scale Industrial Structural Optimisation for Advanced Applications) is to enhance structural optimisation methods to be capable of optimisation with current industrial state-of-the-art simulation techniques, i.e. to “optimize what can be simulated”. This requires a tight cooperation between leading research institutions and industry within the fields of numerical optimisation, structural mechanics and software engineering.Current industrial structural optimisation software packages are capable of optimizing linear static and modal finite element (FE) modelled structures. The optimisation is mainly carried out by the CAE (computer aided engineering) simulation groups which are typically also in charge of carrying out more complex simulations involving multiphysics effects and different types of nonlinearities. The demand for optimisation tools which can handle the latter is obvious because many effects can only be investigated and controlled by using these analysis methods. To solve these optimisation problems in an efficient and flexible way, sensitivity based optimisation methods must be extended to cope with multiphysics and nonlinearities. This requires skill in development of new methods and software capabilities. With the consortium consisting of different specialists within the project area, it will be ensured that all skills needed to overcome the current limitation are available such that current state-of-the-art large scale simulations may be used directly in optimisation with good performance.The benefit of LaScISO is a faster and more cost-efficient simulation driven European product development. The optimisation methods will provide a competitive advantage over non-European developers to create low-weight, CO2-saving high quality products within a shorter development time.