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July 25, 2025

Cristiana Alves: Revealing the Invisible Through Materials Science

INL Joins Global Dialogue on Innovation and IP at WIPO General Assemblies

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to participate as an observer at the 66th session of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly, held from 8 to 17 July 2025 at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This participation reaffirms INL’s commitment to international cooperation in science and its active contribution to the global dialogue on innovation, intellectual property, and technology for sustainable development. The 66th session brought together more than 1,600 delegates representing all 194 WIPO member states, including over 40 ministers and deputy ministers, and nearly 100 heads of national patent offices. The assembly served as a vital forum for exchanging expertise, sharing achievements, and shaping global strategies to enhance intellectual property systems in support of innovation-driven growth. During the opening session, WIPO Director General Daren Tang welcomed the Federated States of Micronesia, WIPO’s newest member state. He highlighted the resilience and dynamism of the global innovation ecosystem, noting that more than 40 intellectual property applications are filed every minute worldwide. INL’s presence in Geneva underscores the importance of aligning nanotechnology and advanced science with international policy frameworks, ensuring that emerging technologies contribute meaningfully to global sustainable development goals.

Empowering the Next Generation: INFRACHIP Research Accelerator Kicks Off at INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to host an edition of the INFRACHIP Research Accelerator, a high-impact, short-term training programme designed to introduce early-career researchers to the cutting-edge technologies and facilities available through the INFRACHIP network. Over the course of two and a half days, 6 to 8 selected participants, PhD students and early-stage postdoctoral researchers—will gain hands-on exposure to advanced nanofabrication and nanocharacterization techniques. The immersive programme blends lectures by INL experts with live demonstrations inside two of INL’s state-of-the-art Research Core Facilities: the Micro and Nanofabrication (MNF) and Electron Microscopy and X-Rays (EMX). Participants will explore fundamental processes in micro- and nanofabrication such as deposition, patterning (optical and electron beam lithography), and etching (RIE). The programme also includes a deep dive into structural and chemical analysis techniques, including: + Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Imaging, diffraction, and spectroscopy + Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) + X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) With a strong emphasis on practical training, participants will enter INL’s cleanroom and microscopy labs to directly observe and engage with the equipment and processes discussed in the lectures. This initiative is part of the broader INFRACHIP vision to democratize access to nanoelectronics infrastructure and strengthen the European research ecosystem. By sponsoring these researchers, INFRACHIP aims to accelerate their scientific progress […]

FORTIFy: ERC Project on Tendon Regeneration Led by Rui Domingues

A new video is now available to introduce FORTIFy, a project funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and led by Rui Domingues, Group Leader at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. FORTIFy aims to develop wireless nanoswitches to control PIEZO channels—specialised cell force sensors—to restore tendon function. By advancing tools to probe mechanobiology in human tissues, the project opens new possibilities for treating tendinopathy and related disorders. Watch the video to learn more about the scientific approach and goals of the FORTIFy project.

From Nanoparticles to Sustainability: A Conversation with Monica Quarato

Welcome to this inspiring conversation with Monica Quarato, a passionate scientist whose work bridges nanotechnology, environmental sustainability, and cutting-edge research. With a background in Biotechnology and hands-on experience across Europe, from Turin to Dublin, Ispra, and Braga, Monica has dedicated her career to advancing our understanding of nanoparticles, microplastics, and their impact on both health and the environment. Today, she shares insights from her academic journey, her current projects at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), and her vision for the future of water purification and environmental monitoring. How did your academic and professional journey lead you to INL and the Espiña Research Group? During my academic and professional journey, I have been committed to advancing knowledge in the field of nanotechnology and its applications in the medical and environmental sectors, by joining different universities and research institutions. Driven by a growing interest in sustainability and the environmental impact of materials, I became involved in the detection and quantification of emerging contaminants, such as nanoparticles and microplastics, in both consumer products and marine organisms. The hands-on experience in applied environmental research helped shaping my scientific vision and reinforced my dedication in developing practical solutions to address global challenges. Motivated to further […]

INL Researchers Contribute to Advancing Tendon Science at the 3rd TENET COST Action General Meeting and Conference

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) proudly participated in the 3rd TENET COST Action General Meeting and Conference, held in Porto and online, under the theme “Innovative Tools and Developments in Tendon Regeneration.” The event brought together leading experts to share progress in tendon biology, regenerative medicine, and emerging medical technologies. INL Research Group Leader Dr. Lorena Diéguez was invited as a plenary speaker, presenting her work on “Using Microfluidics and Nanotechnology to Develop Novel Medical Devices.” Her talk highlighted how microfluidic lab-on-chip platforms are shaping the future of personalised medicine by enabling rapid diagnostics and innovative healthcare solutions. Under the scope of FORTIFy, two additional INL researchers presented pioneering work in bioengineering: + Dr. Rui Domingues, Research Group Leader, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Miniaturised Human Tendons: A Bioengineering Perspective on On-Chip Models.” His talk introduced biofabricated microtendon systems that mimic native tissue properties, offering a valuable platform for disease modeling and therapeutic development. + And Postdoctoral Researcher, in the Domingues Research Group, Simão Teixeira, presented an oral contribution on “Guiding Stem Cell Mechanosensing Responses with PIEZO-Imprinted Nanoswitches.” His research—developed through the ERC FORTIFy and FCT Wi-Pi projects—demonstrates how nanoscale biomaterials can actively steer stem cell responses through mechanical cues. The FORTIFy project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), […]

INL Workshop on Medical Devices Helps Shape EU Policy Milestone in Advanced Materials

Just months after INL hosted a high-level workshop on Advanced Innovative Materials for Medical Devices, the momentum generated in Braga has culminated in a major policy advancement: At its second meeting, the High Level Technology Council for Advanced Materials, held in Brussels last week, expanded its industry priorities to include advanced materials for medical devices. This marks a significant recognition of the groundwork of the subgroup tasked with examinign this option discussed at INL in April, where European leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered to explore the transformative potential of advanced materials in health materials and associated technologies. “The inclusion of materials for health in the form of medical devices is a strategic priority for Europe,” said Dr Clivia Sotomayor Torres, Director-General of INL, who chaired the subgroup with support form Dr Lorena Diéguez, research group leader at INL. She added: “it’s a testament to the power of collaborative dialogue and scientific foresight.” From INL to Brussels: Driving the Agenda Forward Organised under the High Level Technology Council for Advanced Materials, an initiative of the European Commission launched in late 2024, the April 2025 workshop at INL served as a strategic forum under the Council’s Subgroup on Future Priorities. It brought together key European figures including Irene […]

INL Embarks on NIS2 Compliance Journey

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to announce the launch of its comprehensive compliance program aligned with the EU’s NIS2 Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/2555). This initiative reinforces INL’s unwavering commitment to cybersecurity, data protection, and the broader public good. The NIS2 Directive marks a significant milestone in the European Union’s efforts to strengthen the security and resilience of critical and important entities across member states. As a leading research institution at the forefront of nanoscience and innovation, INL acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard not only its scientific assets but also the sensitive data of its partners, collaborators, and the communities it serves. To meet and exceed NIS2 compliance standards, INL is deepening investments in skilled talent, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic partnerships. These efforts are underpinned by the development of a robust and resilient digital infrastructure, one that ensures secure, trustworthy, and transparent scientific collaboration. INL remains committed to continuous improvement and proactive risk management. As it advances through this compliance journey, the organization will regularly assess and adapt its approach, ensuring it remains aligned with best practices and emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape. By embracing this directive, INL reaffirms its mission to uphold global trust in responsible […]

Celebrating 5 years of Nanosafety excellence at INL: the legacy of the SINFONIA Project

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) proudly celebrates the successful conclusion of the SiNfONiA Project, marking five years of groundbreaking progress in nanosafety research under the leadership of Dr. Ernesto Alfaro-Moreno, ERA Chair in Nanosafety. Launched in 2020 and co-funded by the Horizon Europe programme, SINFONIA laid the foundation for a dedicated Nanosafety Research Group at INL — now recognized for its scientific excellence, regulatory relevance, and global reach. Over its five-year trajectory, the project has: + Established a state-of-the-art nanosafety research infrastructure at INL; + Achieved OECD Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) accreditation, the first for our institution; + Built a robust international network across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and North America; + Coordinated and participated in major EU-funded projects aligned with responsible innovation in nanotechnologies; In a closing interview, Dr. Alfaro-Moreno reflects on the project’s transformative impact: “SINFONIA was not just about scientific output. It was about creating a lasting ecosystem for nanosafety, combining capacity building, regulatory standards, and international cooperation.” The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the project’s evolution, milestones, and what lies ahead for INL’s Nanosafety Group, including a continued focus on human health, environmental risk assessment, and emerging regulatory frameworks. SINFONIA’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and vision — […]

Bridging Theory and Experiment: A Conversation with Luísa Madail

Welcome to our Quantum Spotlight Series, where we explore the stories and insights of researchers contributing to the rapidly evolving world of quantum science. Today, we’re joined by Luísa Madaíl, a Research Assistant in the Theory of Quantum Nanostructures group at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL). With a background in theoretical physics and a deep curiosity about the electronic properties of novel materials, Luísa shares how her academic path, current research, and personal reflections all intersect in her journey through the quantum frontier. How did your academic journey and early career experiences shape your role as a Research Assistant at INL? My research in theoretical physics began on understanding the role of topology in condensed matter physics, particularly studying the electronic properties of analytically solvable artificial materials with topological behavior. During this time, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with a research group on open many-body quantum systems, mainly focusing on developing numerical techniques for out-of-equilibrium dynamics and validating quantum devices through experiments with neutral atoms, trapped ions, and solid-state systems. In 2020, I started my PhD and since then, my work has centered on exploring the electronic properties of two-dimensional real materials based on nanographenes. This background has contributed […]

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INL in the Media

Nanowerk | Researchers uncover ultrafast energy flow in graphene

September 1, 2025

Nanowerk | Researchers synthesize and image single-walled CrI3 magnetic nanotubes, marking a key advance in quantum materials and low-dimensional magnetism

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