Mexican Ambassador Visits INL to Explore Nanotechnology Partnerships

June 5, 2025

On 29 May 2025, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory had the honour of hosting a high-level visit from the Embassy of Mexico in Lisbon, led by His Excellency Dr Bruno Figueroa, Ambassador of Mexico to Portugal. The mission, organised as part of INL’s strategy to expand partnerships across the Americas, opened a fresh chapter in Mexico-EU scientific relations and underscored a shared commitment to drive nanotechnology for societal benefit.

The Mexican delegation comprised the Ambassador and Ms Lizett Aceves, Cultural Attaché and Head of Educational Cooperation, who were welcomed by Prof. Dr Clivia Sotomayor Torres, INL Director-General, together with research group leaders Dr Ernesto Alfaro-Moreno, Dr Sascha Sadewasser, Prof. Dr Lorenzo Pastrana, Dr Ricardo Ferreira, and colleagues from INL’s Intellectual Property Office, Dr Ana Vila, and Postgraduate School, Dr Mariam Debs. This constellation of expertise provided an ideal forum to explore complementary strengths in areas ranging from nanoelectronics and energy materials to life science applications and innovation management.

Presentations covered an INL general overview, delving into the ICT, Energy, and Life Sciences Grand Thematic Areas (GTAs), ongoing strategic collaborations in the Americas, INL’s innovation and IP pipeline, and its Postgraduate School.

After a working lunch, Ambassador Figueroa toured INL’s state-of-the-art facilities. Closing remarks by Prof. Sotomayor Torres reaffirmed INL’s readiness to act as a gateway for Mexican researchers and industry innovators into Europe’s research and innovation landscape.

While no formal instrument was signed on the day, both sides agreed on a suite of prospective collaborations with leading Mexican universities that were actively explored during the visit. With the Ambassador’s visit laying a robust foundation, INL and the Embassy of Mexico look forward to translating this momentum into enduring, high-impact partnerships in nanotechnology.