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November 18, 2025

The ESRA Symposium Returns For a Dynamic 2nd Edition

Joana Araújo Honoured with Best Shotgun Poster Award at International Caparica Conference PTIM

INL is honoured to announce that Joana Araújo, a member of the Kolen’ko research group, has been awarded the prize for Best Poster Presentation at the 6th International Caparica Conference on Pollutant Toxic Ions & Molecules. Held biennially in Costa de Caparica, Portugal, this prestigious event brings together leading experts from the environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, and health research communities. The conference serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing latest technologies, innovative methodologies, and advances in pollution detection, contamination control, and remediation. The sixth edition of the conference took place from 2 to 6 November, featuring an extensive programme of plenary lectures, keynote presentations, oral communications, and poster sessions. Joana Araújo earned her recognition in the Shotgun Poster category, receiving a certificate and a gift from the PROTEOMASS Scientific Society. Her award-winning poster, titled “Covalent Organic Frameworks and Composites for Efficient Adsorption of Pharmaceuticals in Natural Waters”, explored the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and COF-based composites as efficient adsorbents for monitoring and removing persistent pharmaceutical contaminants from natural water sources. Further contributions from the Espiña Research Group strengthened INL’s presence at the conference. Begoña Espiña, the group leader, delivered a plenary lecture, while Miguel Sousa presented a poster […]

INL and UMinho Transfer Cutting-Edge Graphene Diagnostic Technology to IPLEXMED

Today, 13 November, INL and UMinho have signed a landmark technology licensing agreement with IPLEXMED, marking a significant step in the commercialisation of cutting-edge medical diagnostic solutions. The concession was formalised during the Research and Innovation Open Days at UMinho, in Session 6: “From Bench to Market: Intellectual Property Licence Agreement between IPLEXMED, INL and UMinho”, held at 13:30. Under this licence, IPLEXMED, a spin-out company specialising in advanced medical diagnostics, gains the rights to commercialise a pioneering technology developed jointly by INL and UMinho. This innovation features functionalised graphene sensors capable of detecting malaria and other diseases through non-invasive methods. By enabling rapid and accurate detection of pathogens in saliva or urine samples, this breakthrough has the potential to transform global health efforts. The technology was developed under the MULTIMAL project, funded by HORIZON 2020, and patented by INL and UMinho in 2024. At its core are monolayer graphene FET sensors, delivering attomolar-level sensitivity while remaining safe for deployment in tropical environments. Ultimately, this landmark moment not only promises to positively impact the healthcare field, but also carries deep symbolic meaning. As Prof. Ado Jório, Deputy Director-General of INL, noted: “The logo of INL represents a graphene-like structure, and […]

INL Welcomes Braga’s New Mayor and Municipal Team

On the 3rd of November 2025, the installation ceremony of the municipal bodies of the city of Braga took place in Theatro Circo, marking the beginning of the 2025–2029 term. Representing the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Professor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos, Deputy Director-General, and Dr Carolina Baptista, International Relations and Internal Affairs Communication Officer, attended the ceremony. The event formally inaugurated the new municipal administration. It included the swearing-in of the newly elected Mayor, Mr João Rodrigues, as well as the election of the Municipal Assembly, whose president is Professor Fernando Alexandre, the current Minister for Education, Science and Innovation of Portugal. Filled with symbolism, the moment brought together representatives from local and regional institutions, enhancing the city’s commitment to collaborative governance and community development. The participation of INL in this civic occasion reflects its enduring partnership with the Municipality of Braga and its dedication to contributing to the region’s scientific, technological and social advancement, reinforcing the shared values between institutions. Hence, INL warmly congratulates Mr João Rodrigues and his team and extends its best wishes for a successful mandate, knowing that continued progress and fruitful cooperation between the municipality and INL will be fostered.

Leonor Ribeiro Competes at the Falling Walls Lab Global Finale

INL is honoured to share that PhD student and INLer, Leonor Ribeiro, competed yesterday at the Falling Walls Lab Global Finale, in Berlin. The Lab is a highlight of the prestigious Falling Walls Science Summit, an international forum that brings together leading voices in science and innovation. This fast-paced competition challenges students and early-career professionals to present their breakthrough ideas in just three minutes. Facing a distinguished jury, the participants compete for the title of “Breakthrough of the Year” in the Emerging Talents category. Leonor, a member of INL’s Ultra-fast Bio and Nanophotonics Research Group and a PhD candidate in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto, earned her place at the global stage after winning first place at the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Portugal, hosted at INL last June. In Berlin, she presented her project, “Breaking the Wall of Lung Cancer with Light”, as one of the 100 international finalists. Her research explores innovative ways to harness light in the fight against lung cancer, through a novel nanoparticle system that combines photodynamic therapy with immunotherapy, evaluated in a 3D model using metabolic imaging. Ultimately, the jury awarded Karen de la Vega-Hernández, Elena Barba Sarasua, and Harry Wilton-Clark as winners […]

Catarina Lopes Wins the Maria de Sousa Prize

INL proudly announces that PhD candidate and INLer, Catarina Lopes, has been awarded the Maria de Sousa Prize. Now in its 5th edition, the prize pays tribute to the late scientist, Maria de Sousa, and is promoted by Fundação Bial and Ordem dos Médicos. Its mission is to support and encourage Portuguese Researchers, aged 35 or younger, advancing Health Sciences. The award ceremony takes place today, 4 November, in Lisbon. Catarina Lopes joins Neuza Domingues, Bruna Meira, Ângela Fernandes, Diogo Reis Carneiro as the five distinguished recipients. Altogether, the prize constitutes a sum of 150K euros and carries the sponsorship of the President of the Republic. The Project Catarina Lopes is a PhD candidate in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology at the University of Porto, specialising in early gastric cancer research. She has co-authored 10 international publications, presented at over 20 conferences, and combines expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and machine learning for biomarker discovery. Her winning project, SNIFF: Volatile organic compounds in saliva for non-invasive detection of gastric cancer, proposes the development of a saliva-based, affordable diagnostic tool, capable of detecting gastric cancer at an early stage. The research will analyse volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as non-evasive biomarkers for gastric […]

“30-year Nanoimprint Pioneer Award” presented to Prof. Clivia Sotomayor Torres

We are proud to share that Prof. Clivia Sotomayor Torres, Director-General of INL, has been honoured with a prestigious award, 30-Year Nanoimprint Pioneer Award, given at the 24th NNT Conference — the leading international forum on Nanoimprint and Nanoprint Technology. The award was presented during the conference held in Dana Point, California on October 12-15, 2025. It was received on her behalf by Dr. Ivan Prieto, representing INL at the event. Prof. Sotomayor Torres was recognised for her outstanding contributions to the field of nanotechnology, particularly in advancing nanoimprint lithography and its applications across science and industry. Her leadership at INL continues to inspire innovation and international collaboration in nanoscience. This recognition reflects INL’s commitment to excellence and its growing impact on the global research landscape. For more information about the NNT Conference, visit https://nntconf.org

Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration: GAIN and INL Host Joint Innovation and Research Event

On October 27th, INL and the Galician Agency of Innovation (GAIN) jointly hosted a one-day programme at INL, in Braga, bringing together a large delegation from Galicia to further strengthen scientific and innovation ties across the Galicia, Spain and Northern Portugal Euroregion.The event gathered representatives from the Xunta de Galicia, Galician universities, research centres and technology institutes alongside INL researchers and leadership, in a day of working groups, roundtables, and guided tours of INL’s state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities. The initiative aimed to identify new areas of collaboration, develop joint projects and enhance cross-border cooperation in key areas such as life sciences, energy and environment, information and communication technologies and advanced materials. A Platform for Shared Growth In her opening remarks, the INL Director-General, Professor Clivia Sotomayor Torres, emphasised the importance of complementarity between Galician institutions and INL. “Here we see complementary contributions from INL and Galician institutions to go stronger towards these opportunities”, Professor Sotomayor stated, underlining the shared ambition to translate technological advances into societal impact. Throughout the day, several working groups and thematic roundtables explored mechanisms to boost competitiveness through innovation and discussed the funding opportunities available at both regional and European levels. Participants highlighted the value of […]

FUNLAYERS Hackathon at INL: From Ideas to Stronger Proposals

On 23 October 2025, INL hosted the FUNLAYERS Hackathon: Sprint to Submission, an initiative organised by INL and the Early-Stage Researchers Association at INL under the EU-funded FUNLAYERS project. FUNLAYERS – led by INL – is a twinning initiative aimed at propelling INL’s research excellence in the field of layered materials. As part of its capacity-building activities, the hackathon provided INL researchers with a focused environment to develop and strengthen project proposals, enhancing their ability to design competitive and impactful research initiatives. Throughout the day, participants worked in interdisciplinary teams, supported by mentors who provided feedback on refining project ideas, structuring objectives, and articulating potential impact. The format encouraged constructive dialogue and practical skill development in proposal preparation. As mentor Dr Sara Abalde reflected, “If I had had this opportunity when I was a junior post-doc, it would have saved me from so many pitfalls.” The event concluded with a series of pitches recognising the most promising projects. The activity underscores INL’s commitment to nurturing research excellence and strengthening internal capacities through the FUNLAYERS project, reinforcing INL’s leadership in the European research landscape on layered materials.

INL showcased nanotechnology at Expo Osaka 2025

On October 7th and 8th, 2025, INL proudly participated in the Portugal Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, under the overarching theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”. The Portugal Pavilion highlighted the theme “The Ocean | Blue Dialogue,” and INL contributed by demonstrating how nanotechnology, advanced materials, and biotechnology can address global challenges in health, sustainability, energy, and digital transformation. INL’s presence at the Expo INL’s participation was designed to promote international collaboration in science and technology, to showcase the role of nanotechnology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to engage visitors with interactive experiences that connect research to real-world impact. It also aimed to strengthen ties between Europe and Asia in the context of innovation and societal progress. Aligned with the Pavilion’s focus on ocean conservation and sustainable development, INL highlighted its contributions to the Blue Economy and its commitment to fostering scientific culture, talent, and creativity. The exhibition featured four main activities: The Portugal Pavilion welcomed over 38.000 visitors throughout the course of these two days, October 7th and 8th, and INL estimates that approximately 10.500 visitors engaged with its exhibition. Almost 3.000 copies of the Activity Book were distributed, with the entire […]

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