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 INL took centre stage, showcasing its state-of-the-art equipment and capabilities. INLers were treated to insights into the latest additions to this open-access facility, along with the diverse range of services it offers both internally and externally.

The symposium not only fostered knowledge exchange but also nurtured a culture of collaboration and camaraderie. Poster sessions provided ample opportunities for engagement, while daily networking events served as fertile ground for forging new synergies among research groups. The event served as a rallying call for researchers to set aside inhibitions and embrace curiosity and boldness in their pursuit of scientific inquiry.

As the event wrapped up, finalists from the 3-Minute Thesis initiative presented their research topics to an engaged audience. Alexandra Ramôa impressed the crowd and won the 3-Minute Thesis competition. Additionally, the prestigious Best Poster award was bestowed upon Mubasher Saleem from the Integrated Micro and Nanotechnologies research group, celebrating excellence and innovation in scientific inquiry.

In essence, the INL Annual Research Symposium transcended mere discourse to become a testament to the unwavering spirit of exploration and collaboration that defines the institution’s ethos.

Text by Mariam Debs and Gina Palha, Corporate Communication and Marketing Officer