News

COVID-19 EVENTS FUNDED PROJECTS GENERAL INL PICKS INL STATEMENTS INNOVATION MOST POPULAR PEOPLE RESEARCH SCALE EXPERIENCES SCALE TRAVELS SEMICONDUCTORS SINFONIA PROJECT SPOTLIGHT WOMEN IN SCIENCE WOMEN IN STEM

Filipa Lebre: Exploring the Frontier of Nanosafety

Filipa Lebre is a Research Fellow in the Nanosafety Research Group at INL, and her research focuses on the complex interactions among the immunological system and different organs, using novel technologies and in-house developed systems. Filipa has a background in Pharmaceutical Sciences and holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, focused on the development and optimization of a polymeric nasal vaccine against hepatitis B to be used for mass immunization. She moved to Ireland during her postdoc to conduct her research at the interface between biomaterial and immunology, studying key aspects of immunomodulation by a relevant spectrum of materials with applicability in the regenerative medicine field. Could you share with us your professional trajectory and what inspired you to embark on a career in nanosafety? I’m very curious by nature and always had this passion and interest in science. When I did my degree in Pharmaceutical Science, I was fortunate enough to find a teacher who was working in the vaccine field and made me realize how I could use my passion to impact millions of lives. That was when I started to work with nanoformulations. I obtained my PhD in formulation development, […]

Can we cut the energy consumption of current AI technologies?

As artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as AI, becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our daily lives, the energy demands of AI systems continue to rise. Despite AI being inspired by the human brain, it is significantly less energy efficient because most tasks are implemented on computer hardware that is not specifically tailored for this purpose. The human brain remains an exemplar of energy-efficient computation, a standard that modern technology strives to replicate. INL researchers are studying advanced materials and devices aimed at revolutionising AI systems. Carlos Rosário, ERA fellow at INL (Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA)), focuses his research on reducing the substantial energy consumption required by current AI technologies. Carlos’ work is grounded in the field of neuromorphic computing, which seeks to mimic the brain’s intricate network of neurons and synapses using artificial equivalents. The goal is to create an electronic brain capable of performing complex computations with minimal energy use. One of the key areas of Carlos Rosário’s research is the exploration of 3D topological insulators for novel electronic devices. These cutting-edge materials exhibit unique properties: while they are insulators and do not conduct electricity through their bulk, their surfaces behave like metals, allowing for efficient electrical […]

Apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships at INL

INL invites postdoctoral researchers to elevate their careers through the prestigious MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) 2024 HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01-01. This exceptional opportunity is designed for researchers with up to 8 years of PhD experience who are eager to advance their careers by conducting cutting-edge research in a vibrant international environment. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships, funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, are aimed at supporting the international mobility and professional development of PhD-holding researchers. As a fellow, you will engage in an independent research project in collaboration with a host institution in a European Member State or Associated Country. INL, located in the picturesque city of Braga, Portugal, offers a stimulating setting for your research journey. Key Benefits of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships: Eligibility Criteria: Application Deadline: The EU call deadline for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships is September 11, 2024. INL is excited to support talented researchers in pursuing excellence through the MSCA-PF program. Don’t miss this chance to bring your career to the next level and join us in Braga for an enriching research experience. Join us and make a significant impact in the world of nanotechnology research with the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships! For more […]

Innovative graphene oxide sensor detects low concentrations of nitrate in water

A new study published in the Chemosensors journal introduces a novel approach to nitrate ion detection using all-solid-state ion-selective electrodes enabled by graphene oxide as an ion-to-electron transducer. Nitrate ions play a critical role in the nitrogen cycle in natural ecosystems, such as in soils and aquatic environments. However, their levels have dramatically increased due to modern agricultural practices. The excessive use of inorganic fertilizers has led to high concentrations of nitrate in surface and groundwater, posing significant environmental and health risks. Eutrophication, which is a phenomenon caused by nutrient overload in water bodies, results in uncontrolled algae growth, oxygen depletion, and poor water quality. This negatively impacts biodiversity, fisheries, and recreational activities. Moreover, if nitrate concentration exceeds a certain level (the value established by the European Union is 50mg/L), water may become unsuitable for consumption, potentially leading to severe health issues such as colorectal cancer and thyroid disease. INL researchers have developed an innovative sensor that can robustly detect low concentrations of nitrate in water. Despite being effective, traditional methods for nitrate detection are time-consuming and expensive. Electrochemical sensors offer a promising alternative due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and rapid response time – particularly potentiometric ion-selective electrodes. However, early […]

III Summer School Materials for Energy Transition taking place in Aveiro, 22-24 June

The much-anticipated 3rd Edition of the Summer School on Materials for Energy Transition is set to take place in Aveiro from June 22 to 24. This event promises to be a significant milestone in the advancement of research and collaboration in the field of energy materials. Pedro Salomé, a key organizer of the Summer School and Group Leader at the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, underscored the event’s crucial role in promoting sustainable energy solutions. “The development of new materials is fundamental for the transition to sustainable energy systems,” Salomé stated. “By bringing together researchers, experts, and industry members, we are fostering an environment where innovative ideas can flourish and practical solutions can be developed.” Jennifer Teixeira, a staff researcher at INL and also a member of the organizing committee, highlighted the event’s significance within the European context. “Europe is at the forefront of the global energy transition, and events like this are essential for maintaining our leadership,” Teixeira explained. “By focusing on materials science, we address one of the key challenges in achieving more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. This Summer School is not only about sharing knowledge but also about inspiring the next generation of scientists to […]

INL Highlights Role of Open Innovation Test Beds at INDTech 2024

On June 5, 2024, INL joined the conference INDTech 2024 to participate in the session “Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB): A New Kid on the Block”, focused on the role of OITBs as part of the technology infrastructure ecosystem and their crucial contribution to industrial transformation in Europe. The session – chaired by Antonio Ferrandez from the European Commission – included a diverse group of speakers, among them Dominik Sobczak, Deputy Head of Unit for Industrial Research, Innovation, and Investment Agendas at DG-RTD, and Paula Galvão, Business and Strategic Relations Chief Officer at INL. The discussion covered topics such as the relevance of technology infrastructures, particularly OITBs, in providing industry with advanced materials technology services. Dominik Sobczak highlighted several challenges, including the limited understanding by companies of access conditions, main barriers, and challenges, added by the lack of standardised definitions and a common access framework, making it difficult to access OITBs and its Single Entry Points across regional and national borders.Dominik Sobczak also noted the limited collaboration among OITBs, leading to underexploited synergies, fragmentation of the landscape, and a high risk of duplication creating inefficiencies. Key outcomes from the session included a call for increased visibility and understanding of OITB […]

INL advances nanotechnology for Smart City future

This year at the Open Day, more than 1000 visitors had the chance to discover the new demonstrator ‘Smart City’, showcasing a fusion of advanced nanotechnologies developed at INL. ‘Smart City’ not only highlights INL’s research and development in nanotechnology but also exemplifies the potential of these technologies to foster smart, sustainable urban environments. At the heart of this demonstrator are MEMS, or Micro-Electromechanical Systems. These small, integrated devices combine electrical and mechanical components to perform functions such as sensing, controlling, and actuating on a micro-scale. They can produce or sense micro-motion or micro-forces, making them indispensable in sectors ranging from automotive and medical to telecommunications and electronics. The transformative potential of MEMS lies in their ability to significantly alter how humans interact with technology and their surroundings. At the core of this ‘Smart City’ is the Sensible Car project, which highlights the development of intelligent sensors essential for autonomous driving. These sensors enable comprehensive perception of surroundings, real-time precise location updates, and flawless action execution. INL’s contribution to this project includes the creation of two-dimensional MEMS mirrors, diffractive optical elements, tuneable filters, and lenses, all integrated into a LiDAR system. LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, measures distances by […]

INL engages the next generation with “Researchers at Schools” initiative

In an ongoing effort to bridge the gap between nanotechnology research and the younger generation, INL is actively participating in the European Commission’s flagship initiative, “Researchers at Schools“. This initiative is designed to promote direct interaction between researchers and students, encouraging a deeper understanding of science, nanotechnology, and research activities among young minds. Last Friday marked a significant day for the “Researchers at Schools” program, with INL researchers visiting various educational institutions to engage with students and teachers, kick-starting the project SCIGLO – European Researchers’ Night. Raquel Queirós visited a primary school in Maia, where she interacted with a lively class of 26 students. The session aimed to introduce the basics of science and nanotechnology, sparking curiosity and excitement among the young learners. Miguel Cerqueira headed to Ponte da Barca, addressing 64 secondary school students from the 11th and 12th grades at Agrupamento de Escolas de Ponte da Barca. The discussions focused on advanced research topics, the impact of scientific discoveries on society, and potential career paths in the field of nanotechnology. Centro de Ciência Viva Guimarães invited Catarina Moura and Mariam Debs to lead a science communication workshop for school teachers. This event was part of the Picto_Ciência III […]

INL Welcomes Microscopy Enthusiasts for International Day of Light Celebration

The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory opened its doors this May to welcome microscopy enthusiasts, researchers at all career stages, engineers, and university students, particularly from the fields of science and engineering, in a grand celebration of the International Day of Light (#IDL2024). The event, which marked a global initiative highlighting the importance of light and optical technologies in science, culture, and sustainable development, provided a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the fascinating world of microscopy. The INL’s celebration of #IDL2024 was not only an educational event but also a platform for fostering collaboration and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. By bringing together a diverse group of participants, INL demonstrated its commitment to promoting scientific literacy and innovation. As the event concluded, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the role of light in scientific discovery and a renewed passion for their respective fields. The success of the event underscored the importance of community engagement in science and the ongoing efforts of INL to support and inspire future advancements in nanotechnology and beyond. For more information about upcoming events at INL, please visit our website and follow us on social media. + www.inl.int