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INL Launches the 2025 Photo Contest: Capturing Science Through Creativity

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Photo Contest, inviting photography enthusiasts, researchers, and creatives from across Europe to capture the beauty of science through the lens of creativity. As part of European Researchers’ Night 2025, this contest aims to celebrate the intersection of science and visual storytelling, encouraging participants to explore and document the wonders of scientific discovery, technological innovation, and the unseen world of nanotechnology. A Celebration of Science through Photography The 2025 Photo Contest is open to participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, researchers, artists, and science communicators. Whether using a professional camera or a smartphone, contestants are encouraged to creatively interpret the contest’s theme and submit images that highlight the role of science in shaping our future. The world of science is filled with breathtaking moments that often go unnoticed. Through this contest, we aim to bring those moments to life, fostering a deeper connection between the public and the scientific community. How to Participate? The competition is open from January 31, 2025 to March 31, 2025, and submissions can be made via the official website: www.scaleexperiences.inl.int/photocontest2025. Participants can submit original photographs that capture the essence of science, technology, and innovation. A panel of experts in science, photography, […]

INL Partners with Startup Braga and 2CA-Braga to Launch the Global Health Accelerator

A new initiative to foster innovation in health, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), in collaboration with Startup Braga and the Clinical Academic Center of Braga (2CA-Braga), has announced the launch of the Global Health Accelerator, a programme designed to support early to mid-stage startups developing innovative solutions in health, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. This initiative aims to accelerate groundbreaking projects by providing startups with direct access to industry leaders, expert mentorship, and tailored entrepreneurship training. A Strategic Platform for Innnovation: The Global Health Accelerator offers participating startups the opportunity to: develop pilot projects and proof-of-concepts (POCs) in collaboration with key industry stakeholders; engage in intensive bootcamps focused on entrepreneurship, business development, and market strategy; and receive mentorship from experienced professionals in the health, biotechnology, and nanotechnology sectors. Applications open until 28 February Startups looking to scale their innovations and bring transformative solutions to the market are encouraged to apply before 28 February. More information and application details are available at globalhealthaccelerator.com. The Global Health Accelerator is co-funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) under the NextGenerationEU programme, reinforcing a commitment to fostering cutting-edge innovation in Europe’s health and technology sectors.

INL advances skin engineering with the European network NETSKINMODELS

Advances in skin engineering research are being made at the INL as part of the NETSKINMODELS COST Action. This European network is dedicated to advancing skin engineering and modelling by developing improved cell-based and computational skin models, with the goal of reducing reliance on animal testing. Ana Ribeiro, staff researcher at INL, highlights the contributions of Alfaro-Moreno’s research group: “At INL, we are developing skin-on-chip models, which are advanced microfluidic devices designed to replicate the structure and function of human skin. These models have the potential to transform research by providing more reliable and human-relevant data while supporting the 3Rs principle: reducing, refining, and replacing animal testing.” Samantha Costa, one of the next-generation researchers benefiting from the NETSKINMODELS educational initiatives, has joined INL for her PhD research. Samantha’s work takes a further step towards the practical applications of these models, from testing cosmetics and nanoparticle safety to skin microbiome interactions. By focusing on sustainable and ethical research practices, Samantha concludes that “INL’s innovations aim to benefit science, industry, and society.” “This work not only advances dermatological research but also helps prepare the next generation of scientists,” adds Ana Ribeiro. “Through initiatives like NETSKINMODELS, we are ensuring that Europe remains at […]

INL Joins the EuroQCS-Spain Consortium to Advance European Quantum Computing

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to announce its participation in the EuroQCS-Spain consortium, a pivotal initiative in integrating quantum computing into the European High Performance Computing (HPC) ecosystem. The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has officially signed the procurement contract for the EuroHPC quantum computer MareNostrum-Ona, which will be hosted at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center – Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS). This milestone marks a significant step toward enhancing Europe’s quantum computing capabilities. A Quantum Leap for European Supercomputing Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems that are intractable for classical computers, with applications ranging from material simulations to optimization problems and enhanced data security. While current quantum computing systems are still in the early stages, integrating them with well-established HPC infrastructures is crucial for their future impact. The MareNostrum-Ona quantum computer will be Europe’s first quantum annealer, providing researchers, industries, and the public sector access to cutting-edge quantum technologies. The first-generation system will offer at least 10 physical qubits, with further developments planned to enhance both coherence times and qubit numbers. INL’s Contribution to European Quantum Infrastructure As part of the EuroQCS-Spain consortium, INL willcontribute to integrating quantum and classical computingsystems. INL researchers in the groups led by Ernesto Galvão and Joaquín Rossier […]

INL recognised as ‘Key Innovator’ for paper-based packaging innovation

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) has been recognised as a “Key Innovator” by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar for its transformative paper-based packaging innovation. Developed as part of the FlexFunction2Sustain project under the Horizon 2020 framework, this cutting-edge solution offers improved water and oxygen barriers for fresh food packaging. The European Commission’s analysis categorised this innovation as “Business Ready”, signifying its readiness for market adoption. Moreover, the project addresses the needs of existing markets, emphasising its significant contribution to sustainable packaging solutions. Revolutionising Packaging with Sustainability in Mind In collaboration with project partner SONAE MC – SERVIÇOS PARTILHADOS, SA, INL’s innovation aims to revolutionise packaging for fresh foods by combining eco-friendly materials with enhanced performance capabilities. This breakthrough innovation helps industries reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring the quality and freshness of packaged food. The efforts at INL were coordinated by Pablo Fuciños from the Pastrana Research Group, whose expertise in sustainable innovation and project management was crucial in aligning the development process with the project’s goals. About FlexFunction2Sustain The FlexFunction2Sustain project focused on enabling the adoption of sustainable materials and processes in flexible and printed electronics, packaging, and medical industries. The outcomes of the project demonstrate the potential […]

Driving Innovation Together: The Johns Hopkins-INL 2025 Consulting Experience

The long-standing collaboration between Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and INL has entered its ninth year, continuing to inspire and drive innovation. As part of the immersive, project-based course on the Practice of Consulting, graduate students from JHU’s Engineering Management programme visited INL last week. Their visit culminated in a presentation of their work on January 14th, marking another chapter in this enriching partnership. This collaboration is far from ordinary. For one intensive week, the students lived at the INL Guesthouse, diving headfirst into the world of nanotechnology and its transformative potential. Their task: to work closely with INL’s research groups and provide strategic insights into commercialising cutting-edge projects. The result? Detailed reports and leads that bridge the gap between scientific research and market opportunities, showcasing how technological breakthroughs can be transformed into impactful innovations. Guiding the students through this challenging process was Andy Ross, Senior Lecturer and Associate Director of the Professional Communication Program at JHU. His mentorship ensured the students approached their work with a blend of analytical rigour and creativity, resulting in actionable business strategies for INL’s researchers. Ana Vila was the organiser for this year’s JHU collaboration at INL. She makes emphasis on the value of this […]

INL researchers are exploring new ways to predict breast cancer metastasis

A research project called 3DSecret is exploring innovative methods to predict breast cancer metastasis by analysing tumour cells circulating in the bloodstream. 3DSecret focuses on understanding how these cells contribute to cancer spreading to distant organs, which is the primary cause of mortality in breast cancer patients. Breast cancer metastasis often occurs via the hematogenous route, i.e. through the bloodstream. The presence of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) provides an opportunity to study the disease through blood samples rather than invasive tissue biopsies. Using specialised devices, INL researchers can isolate these tumour cells from blood samples. The next step involves cultivating individual CTCs in an artificial culture system, in the lab, designed to mimic their natural environment. Data from these cultures are then analysed using artificial intelligence algorithms. By examining the genetic profiles of the tumour cells and the substances they secrete, the project aims to identify unknown drivers of breast cancer metastasis. Recently, the project technical coordinator, Miguel Xavier, was at ‘90 Segundos de Ciência’, a series of science communication episodes with daily broadcasts on the Portuguese public radio Antena 1. Miguel is confident about the broader implications of this project, “this research could provide insights into the relationship between […]

How microalgae could transform the way we produce photonics

Photonic crystals, essential for controlling and manipulating light, are key components in advanced technologies such as lasers and sensors. However, their production is typically expensive, requiring sophisticated cleanroom facilities. Researchers at INL are exploring innovative alternatives by leveraging structures naturally produced by microalgae. Pedro Braga Fernandes, a PhD candidate at INL, explains “Our group works on photonic structures, and we try to draw inspiration from nature for that. I work with microalgae called diatoms. These diatoms produce a silica exoskeleton with an organisation resembling a photonic crystal, similar to those we create in the cleanroom.” This natural resemblance of diatoms with photonic crystals could bring a new solution for more sustainable production methods. Unlike traditional fabrication methods, the use of diatoms eliminates the need for costly cleanroom environments, reducing both financial and environmental impacts. Pedro Braga Fernandes highlighted the nano-patterned silica potential applications, “This enables easy integration of the structures produced by the algae into essential technologies, ranging from biosensors to quantum systems”. This unique approach not only has the potential to reduce production costs but also offers a sustainable alternative for developing photonic technologies. By using natural processes, researchers at INL aim to unlock new possibilities across a wide […]

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