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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

2024: A Year of Stories, Driven by INL’s People

At INL, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Behind every breakthrough in nanotechnology, every innovative solution in sustainability, and every step forward in quantum science, there are passionate individuals whose dedication and creativity fuel our success. Throughout 2024, we had the privilege of showcasing some of the exceptional individuals who make INL what it is—a hub of talent, innovation, and collaboration. From scientists and researchers to team leaders and support staff, their stories reflect the drive and diversity that define our community. Celebrating INL’s People, a Year of Interviews This year, we launched a series of interviews that offered a closer look at the people behind the science. These conversations captured not only professional accomplishments but also personal journeys, passions, and aspirations. + From Wildlife to Molecules and Science Communication, an interview with Bernardo Nogueira + Pedro Silva, Innovating Sustainable Food Solutions through Nanotechnology + Diana Alves’ Journey: Pioneering Superhydrophobic Coatings for Sustainability + Denis Santos explores the critical role of sensors in ensuring safety and efficiency within the H2 Green Valley Agenda + Revolutionising Water Quality Monitoring: An Interview with Najib Ben Messaoud + Engineering the Future: Patrícia Sousa on the Challenges and Innovations in Micro […]

2024 Yearly Wrap-up: Research

As we reflect on the scientific achievements of 2024, we are proud to present the latest research spotlights that showcase the diversity, innovation, and societal impact of INL’s research. From addressing global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance and Parkinson’s disease to advancing quantum technology, sustainable solutions, and AI energy efficiency, this compilation highlights the exceptional work of our researchers and collaborators. These research updates represent just a fraction of our accomplishments this year but capture the essence of our commitment to advancing science for a better world. Join us in celebrating these remarkable milestones! Phages – A dual solution to the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Crisis – Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most pressing global health threats of our time, directly causing and contributing to millions of deaths worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nanoscale analysis with DNA-graphene origami – In a recently published study in Advanced Materials Interfaces, INL researchers have developed a new sensor that merges DNA origami with graphene to achieve unique accuracy in detecting molecular motion. Nieder’s group at INL, together with Alpuim’s group (INL) and Thorsten-Lars Schmidt (Kent State University), developed this innovative sensor that could have significant potential for applications in medicine and environmental monitoring. Nanodiamonds bring […]

2024 Yearly Wrap-up: Events

As 2024 comes to a close, INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory reflects on a year of remarkable milestones, innovative achievements, and global collaborations. Hosting over 8,000 visitors and welcoming more than 5,500 participants across various events, INL reaffirmed its global leadership in fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships. Kicking off 2024 with Leadership and Creativity The year began with a dual celebration: a heartfelt farewell to Deputy Director General Prof. Dr. Paulo Freitas, whose visionary leadership elevated INL’s global standing, and the captivating Nano Circus: The Amazing Experience of Arts & Science. This unique event brought together the worlds of art and nanotechnology, blending creative expression with scientific discovery to inspire audiences of all ages. Spring: Breaking New Ground in Science Spring 2024 saw INL hosting several groundbreaking events that advanced the frontiers of science and technology. The Neuromorphic Computing Event on May 15 brought together leading researchers to explore advancements in mimicking the brain’s architecture and functions, paving the way for revolutionary computing technologies. The CHIPS-JU 2024 Info Session, also held in May, empowered researchers and industry professionals with critical insights into European Union funding opportunities for the semiconductor field. By helping stakeholders navigate the funding landscape, INL […]

INL’s Mission NERD Brings Science to Life at Hospital de Braga

Last week, INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – brought its Mission NERD initiative to the Pediatrics and External Consultation Services of Hospital de Braga. This visit is part of INL’s ongoing efforts to connect with the community by showcasing the fascinating world of science beyond the laboratory walls. The visit offered children, families, and hospital visitors a chance to experience science through hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and creativity. From learning how to drill a balloon without popping it to making hair stand on end, measuring their height in nanometers, and even dressing like nanoscientists, participants explored complex scientific concepts in a fun and relatable way. Mission NERD is grounded in the belief that science is for everyone. By simplifying complex ideas and demonstrating them with everyday materials, INL’s scientists aim to demystify their work and make it accessible to all. This initiative is about more than just sharing knowledge – it’s about building bridges between researchers and the broader community, fostering curiosity, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. At INL, we recognize the importance of humanizing science. Initiatives like Mission NERD reflect our commitment to creating meaningful connections, enabling dialogue, and promoting understanding across all ages and […]

Empowering Future Scientists: Highlights from INL’s 1st ESRA Symposium

In 2024, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory buzzed with energy as it hosted the inaugural ESRA Symposium, organised by the Early-Stage Researchers Association (ESRA). This groundbreaking event welcomed over 160 participants, including master’s students, PhD candidates, junior researchers, and early-career scientists, offering a vibrant platform to connect, share, and celebrate their innovative research conducted at INL. The symposium began with a warm welcome from INL’s Director General, Professor Clivia Sotomayor, who underscored the value of collaboration among emerging researchers. Setting an inspiring tone, Professor Ado Jório, INL’s Deputy Director General, delivered the keynote address, “Seeing the Future.” Prof. Ado provided practical insights on transforming ideas into innovations, emphasising their potential to tackle global challenges. Participants showcased their research through engaging Oral Communications and Poster presentations, with discussions brimming with innovation and collaboration. Day two featured a compelling keynote presentation by Doctor Catarina Moura, INL’s Science Communication Officer. Her talk, “Bringing Science to Life,” highlighted the critical role of science communication in making research accessible to wider audiences and strategies to deepen public engagement with scientific discoveries. The symposium celebrated the outstanding contributions of its participants, presenting 15 Oral Communications and over 50 posters that stimulated lively exchanges and sparked new ideas. […]

From Wildlife to Molecules and Science Communication, an interview with Bernardo Nogueira

Bernardo A. Nogueira is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Begona’s Group – Water Quality at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), contributing to the Blue Bioeconomy Pact project under the guidance of Dr. Begoña Espina and Dr. Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo. With a strong academic background, he holds degrees in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemistry, and an MSc in Advanced and Industrial Chemistry from the University of Coimbra. Bernardo completed his PhD in Chemistry in 2022, specializing in Molecular Spectroscopy, with part of his studies conducted at Politecnico di Milano under Prof. Chiara Castiglioni. He has published over 35 scientific articles and book chapters and actively engages in peer-reviewed journals as an editor and reviewer. In this interview, Bernardo reflects on his journey into science, the role of chemistry in addressing global challenges, his passion for science communication, and his aspirations for the future. What sparked your early interest in science, and how did it shape your path toward becoming a chemist and researcher? My interest in science began at a very young age. Initially, at around 4 or 5 years old, I was particularly captivated by ecology, with a special interest in the large animals of the jungle and the oceans. I would spend […]

INL Attends the Inauguration of CeNTI’s New Facilities

On the 16th of December, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) participated in the inauguration ceremony of the new CeNTI (Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials) facilities — an event representing a significant milestone in research and innovation within the region. INL’s Director-General, Professor Clivia Sotomayor Torres, its Deputy Director-General, Professor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos, as well as Paula Galvão, Chief Officer of the Business and Strategic Relations Department, and Pedro Salomé, INL Research Group Leader, were in attendance. The event was honoured by the presence of several distinguished figures, including the Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr. Luís Montenegro, the Mayor of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Mr. Mário Passos, the Chairman of CeNTI’s Board of Directors, Mr. António Amorim, and CeNTI’s General Director, Mr. António Braz Costa. The guests were introduced to the newly established facilities, which comprise a range of advanced laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment, and expanded work areas designed to strengthen the research and technological capabilities of the institution. CeNTI is a leading Portuguese research and technology organisation specialising in advanced nano, micro, and smart technologies. In response to emerging challenges, it has positioned itself to develop disruptive solutions guided by sustainability and bioeconomy, energy and decarbonisation, and digital transformation of materials and processes. By strengthening […]

Phages – A dual solution to the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Crisis

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most pressing global health threats of our time, directly causing and contributing to millions of deaths worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Beyond the human toll, the economic impact is staggering. By 2050, AMR could add $1 trillion in healthcare costs annually and slash global gross domestic product (GDP) by up to $3.4 trillion per year by 2030. But amidst these daunting figures, a beacon of hope has appeared – bacteriophages (phages). In an era where AMR poses one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine, phages, viruses that specifically target bacteria, represent a revolutionary alternative to traditional antibiotics. A recent milestone in this field has been Portugal’s approval of customised bacteriophage therapies in hospital settings, setting Portugal to be only the third European country, alongside Belgium and France, to approve until now a guiding regulation for these new therapies (INFARMED, I.P. deliberation No. 112/CD/2024, November 15, 2024) for complex bacterial infections. This decision aligns closely with INL’s cutting-edge research on phages. Dr. Sanna Sillankorva, a tenured staff researcher from the Bañobre Research Group at INL has been instrumental in this progress. Her work focuses on isolating and […]

FORGING Workshop Series: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future in Brussels

This week, Brussels became the epicenter of innovation and collaboration as FORGING hosted its highly anticipated three-day workshop series. The event gathered over stakeholders from academia, industry, policymaking, and civil society, all united by a shared mission to advance enabling technologies for a sustainable future. FORGING reimagines traditional innovation by focusing on human-centered technologies aligned with Industry 5.0 principles. It moves beyond efficiency and productivity, emphasizing technology’s positive societal impact. By leveraging 6 Technological Pathways, FORGING identifies use cases to accelerate the adoption of responsible and sustainable solutions. The workshops explored transformative topics critical to shaping the future of Industry 5.0, including: Real-Time Based Digital Twins; Simulation Technologies; and Human-Machine Interaction Technologies. A standout moment was the expert pitch by Ensieh Iranmehr, INL Staff Researcher, who presented on “Non-Invasive Tool Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Using High-Sensitive Spintronic Sensors.” Her presentation highlighted how cutting-edge sensing technologies are driving industrial innovation and sustainability. Co-organized with APRE – Agenzia per la Promozione della Ricerca Europea, the workshops offered a unique platform for participants to co-design use cases for emerging technologies. From exploring the potential of haptic technologies and e-skin sensors to leveraging predictive maintenance and cognitive digital twins, the sessions emphasized actionable solutions and cross-sector collaboration. As a hub of European collaboration, Brussels offered the ideal setting for the workshops, reinforcing the project’s mission to bridge the […]