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COVID-19 EVENTS FUNDED PROJECTS GENERAL INL PICKS INNOVATION MOST POPULAR PEOPLE RESEARCH SCALE EXPERIENCES SCALE TRAVELS SPOTLIGHT WOMEN IN SCIENCE WOMEN IN STEM

May 3, 2024

INL researchers awarded funding to develop an automated sensor to detect emerging viruses

INL hosted its Annual Research Symposium

Last week, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory was transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation and discovery as it hosted its Annual Research Symposium. This dynamic internal event provided a platform for research and engineering groups to showcase their latest breakthroughs and advancements to the wider INL community, sparking an atmosphere brimming with scientific fervour. Featuring an impressive array of 22 live demonstrations and over 100 captivating posters, the symposium immersed attendees in a unique series of cutting-edge science that infused every corner of the institution. Starting on Monday, April 22nd, the symposium began with exciting presentations on materials science, information technology, and communication. It then moved on to explore spintronics, photonics, and phononic principles, showcasing innovative devices with the potential to shape the future. The day concluded with a stimulating discussion on innovation pathways, mapping out strategies to advance technologies to the next level. In the subsequent days, the symposium continued to captivate with discussions spanning clean energy, environmental sustainability, and personalised health initiatives. The proceedings reached a crescendo with a captivating overview of metamaterials and their revolutionary implications for addressing food-related challenges. Amidst the intellectual exchange, the Advanced Electron Microscopy and Imaging Spectroscopy (AEMIS) facility at […]

Natalia Spera, developing self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities

Natalia joined INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory as a Research Engineer in the Nanochemistry Research Group. She is currently working on synthesising, characterising, and applying sustainable coatings with self-healing solutions. Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? I am currently working on the development of self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities and extend the longevity of offshore structures within the MAREWIND Project. My responsibilities encompass researching and developing core-shell nanofibers and microcapsules feasible for application in liquid coating formulations. Our solution entails having an autonomous healing response when the coating is damaged. Recently, we achieved a significant milestone by successfully scaling up our innovative self-healing materials for application in a 100-litre batch, marking a crucial step forward in transitioning laboratory technology to industry. Could you briefly describe what a typical day looks like for you, Natalia, and what aspects of your work and the INL organization excite you the most? Certainly! A typical day for me involves a dynamic mix of laboratory experiments, data analysis, and collaboration with colleagues. I usually begin with hands-on lab activities that occupy a significant portion of my day. Subsequent data analysis is also an exhilarating aspect, as […]

INL researchers innovating in next-generation solar power

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, directly convert sunlight into electricity. The most prevalent type, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, found in commercially available solar panels, benefit from extensive expertise and synergies with the microelectronics industry. Despite their cost competitiveness, silicon photovoltaic cells have limitations, such as poor sensitivity to low light, rigid modules, conservative aesthetics, and limited flexibility in dimensions. If photovoltaics are to be deployed in a larger number of applications, these limitations need to be addressed. The Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications (NOA) research group is exploring novel thin-film solar cell concepts – or next-generation photovoltaics – to enhance performance while meeting environmental standards. They are particularly focused on developing solutions that merge conversion efficiency, durability, and aesthetics for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), targeting stakeholders in the construction industry. BIPV offers a practical means of integrating photovoltaic systems into buildings, potentially facilitating the installation of hundreds of gigawatts worldwide without the need for additional land. This approach aligns well with the current trend of urbanisation. Pedro Salomé, NOA’s group leader, elaborates “We are engaged in various projects, funded by Portuguese and European programmes, to devise solutions that overcome the challenges posed by conventional silicon modules. Most of our […]

A microfluidic platform that simulates human digestion

In a recently published study, INL researchers developed an innovative microfluidic platform that is capable of replicating key human gastrointestinal processes, offering a game-changing tool for the assessment of newly-developed drugs and/or food supplements. The innovation combines a ‘Digestion-Chip’ and a ‘Gut-Chip’, each enabling sequentially the simulation of digestion through the gastrointestinal tract and the evaluation of intestinal permeability. The study ‘From mouth to gut: microfluidic in vitro simulation of human gastro-intestinal digestion and intestinal permeability’, introduces a miniaturised setup that allows studies of sample bioaccessibility and simplified bioavailability using minimal sample amounts. In addition, the outflow from the ‘Digestion-chip’ can be exposed to the cell-based Gut-Chip, which replicates the intestinal epithelium, using unprecedentedly low sample dilutions thus allowing the detection of ‘rare’ compounds. Both devices work in continuous flow requiring very little user interfacing. In this work, casein – a milk protein that is widely used as a supplement in sports nutrition – was tested as a model compound. And critically, the Gut-Chip can be used to evaluate intestinal permeability offering reference permeability values that are in line to those found using human ex vivo models. Miguel Xavier, one of the first authors of the research study adds “the […]

12th SciComPt Congress in Braga

In the pursuit of an inclusive scientific landscape, the 12th Congress of the SciComPt network will convene between May 8-10, 2024, in Braga, Portugal. Themed “Accessibility in Science Through Diverse Languages and Voices”, this landmark event aims to address the pressing need for enhanced accessibility in science communication. In today’s society, the responsibility of science extends beyond the laboratory walls. Merely providing access to scientific publications falls short of empowering citizens to fully engage with scientific knowledge. As science delves into increasingly complex and ethically nuanced realms, it becomes imperative to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding. Recognizing this imperative, the Congress will spotlight the critical role of science communication in fostering a more inclusive scientific community. From promoting ongoing dialogue between scientists and society to addressing sensory limitations and diversifying communication channels, Congress will delve into multifaceted strategies to enhance accessibility in science. The event will happen at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Centro Ciência Viva de Braga, and the University of Minho, and will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration and will share insights, best practices, and innovative approaches to science communication between researchers, policymakers, communication professionals, and engaged citizens. With a […]

Mark Your Calendar: Optiras Project Results Event on April 19th

The OPTIRAS project (PT-INNOVATION-0076) is making waves in the aquaculture industry with its mission to optimize water quality control in Aquaculture Recirculation Systems (RAS). By focusing on the terrestrial cultivation of Atlantic sole and salmon, OPTIRAS aims to revolutionize productivity, animal health, production conditions, environmental benefits, and sustainability within the industry. Key to the project’s success is the development and testing of new technologies for water treatment and quality monitoring. Among these innovations are ozonation, advanced oxidation processes, and superoxygenation, designed to enhance water quality and create optimal conditions for fish growth and well-being. Additionally, OPTIRAS introduces state-of-the-art sensors for in situ monitoring of critical parameters such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3). These sensors provide real-time data, allowing for proactive management of water quality and immediate response to any deviations. To share their findings and engage with stakeholders, the OPTIRAS team invites industry professionals, researchers, and interested parties to join them on April 19th for a discussion on the project’s results. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in aquaculture technology and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable fish farming. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation – […]

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