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September 22, 2025

Braga Startups Shine | Global Health Accelerator Demo Day at INL

Cristiana Alves: Revealing the Invisible Through Materials Science

Meet Cristiana Alves, Facility Lead at the Electron Microscopy and X-Rays (EMX) Facility at INL. With a lifelong curiosity for how things work and a deep passion for uncovering the unseen, Cristiana’s journey into materials engineering and nanotechnology has been driven by both precision and wonder. From exploring bioactive coatings for dental implants during her PhD to working in one of the most advanced electron microscopy facilities in the Iberian Peninsula, she combines technical excellence with a commitment to discovery. At the heart of her work is a drive to understand materials at their most fundamental level, and to help others do the same. Can you tell us a bit about your path, your main area of work, and the importance of your work?Since I was a child, I have always loved to explore and discover things in nature, get to know how things work, and why they work in such a way. I also loved math because for me, math is simple; there are no doubts or misinterpretations. This combination brought me to an engineering course (materials engineering).While pursuing my master’s, I naturally became passionate about research and science, and I pursued a PhD to study nanomaterials for biomedical applications. When you […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

INL Open Day 2025: A Celebration of Science, Innovation, and Community

Last Saturday, INL welcomed more than 800 visitors of diverse nationalities for a day filled with curiosity, discovery, and joy. Families, students, researchers, and science enthusiasts of all ages came together to experience what it’s like to be a scientist for a day and the energy throughout the building was unforgettable. Across the INL campus, guests explored interactive exhibits and live demonstrations that brought science to life, from fluid dynamics and 3D printing to nano-enabled food and health technologies. In the “NanoPlanet: Fixing the Future” area, visitors discovered how nanotechnology is addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, boosting sustainability, energy storage, and public health. The Kids Zone provided a space where younger visitors could build molecules, explore science hands-on, and enjoy the new INL kids’ book, designed to spark curiosity through storytelling. Art and science merged in Pepto Playground, a performance by the Foqacia project in collaboration with Arte Total. Inspired by the paradoxes of quantum physics, the dancers moved through shifting pink landscapes and invisible forces, inviting audiences to reflect on uncertainty, presence, and transformation. INL researchers also presented impactful projects, from 3DSecret’s pioneering cancer research using microfluidic platforms to national innovation efforts like NGS Storage and GreenAuto, which aim to shape the future of clean energy and mobility. Guests found […]

INL Hosts First Edition of Falling Walls Lab Portugal, Showcasing Bold Ideas with Global Potential

Yesterday afternoon, June 11, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), in Braga, proudly hosted the first edition of Falling Walls Lab Portugal, bringing to the stage five semi-finalists with bold, breakthrough ideas aiming to shape the future of science and society. The event is part of the global Falling Walls initiative, a renowned competition that gives early-career researchers, innovators, and visionaries the opportunity to present their work in just three minutes, in a dynamic and high-impact format. The semi-finalists at the INL edition presented proposals ranging from novel treatments for breast and lung cancer, to strategies addressing neuroinflammation, promoting scientific inclusion in schools, and creating new pathways to connect art, science, and communities. The event was hosted by Marisol Dias, INL researcher and 2024 Falling Walls Lab global finalist, who brought both energy and inspiration to the session. After the pitches, the audience enjoyed a coffee break and networking session, followed by the highly anticipated jury deliberation and announcement of winners. The winner of this first edition of Falling Walls Lab Portugal was Leonor Ribeiro, with her project “Breaking the Wall of Lung Cancer with a Beam of Light” – a promising approach using photonics to improve lung cancer treatment. Leonor will represent Portugal at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin this November, joining an international […]

INL Welcomes Dr Cyril Laucci as Ombudsperson

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Cyril Laucci as Ombudsperson, a role that reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to fostering a respectful, fair, and inclusive environment. The Ombudsperson serves as a neutral, independent, and confidential resource available to all members of the INL community. The position is designed to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability across the organisation by addressing concerns, mediating disputes, encouraging respectful engagement, and advising on potential measures to resolve systemic challenges related to equity and inclusion. It is essential to emphasise that the Ombudsperson does not represent either the organisation or individual members of staff. Rather, the role functions as an impartial facilitator, supporting the informal resolution of issues and contributing to a constructive and healthy organisational culture. Dr Laucci is a highly distinguished legal professional with recognised expertise in human rights, workplace ethics, and international law. He holds a PhD in Law from both Université Aix-Marseille and the University of Geneva. Over the course of his career, he has held senior legal positions at several major international institutions, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the Special Court for Sierra Leone. On 22 […]

Bridging Art and Science: INL’s Role in Braga 2025 – Portuguese Capital of Culture

In 2025, Braga holds the prestigious title of Portuguese Capital of Culture, with a diverse array of initiatives that highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage and the vast spectrum of artistic expressions it nurtures. This year, INL has actively contributed to the celebration by fostering a connection between the worlds of art and science, emerging as a key partner in promoting the accessibility of science to the wider community. To solidify this partnership, INL joined forces with Faz Cultura – Empresa Municipal de Cultura de Braga, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing the Braga 25 artistic programme. This collaboration represents a significant step towards deepening the city’s cultural landscape and creating lasting synergies between artistic and scientific domains. Beyond the institutional partnership, INL is also engaged in two artistic projects: Counter-Kiosk and The Shape of Neighbourhood, both curated by the Space Transcribers collective. These projects offer a platform for collaborative artistic residencies, where selected artists will work closely with INL researchers to create a dialogue that fuses the creative processes of both scientists and artists. The core aim is to build bridges of innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange, benefitting not only the artists and researchers but the wider community as well. In March 2025, visual artist and researcher Miguel Teodoro took part in an artistic residency at INL […]

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Nanowerk | Incorporating graphene into solid-contact electrodes highly improves lithium detection

October 24, 2025

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