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INL to Host Seminar on Circular Economy in the Agri-Food Sector

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, in collaboration with PortugalFoods and CCDR-Norte, will host the seminar “Circular Economy in the Agri-Food Sector in the Northern Region of Portgual: Challenges in Valorisation for Human and Animal Consumption” on February 27, at INL in Braga. Organised within the framework of the European project FRONTSH1P, this event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and experts to discuss innovative strategies for waste valorisation in the agri-food sector. Key discussion points will include: The seminar will also feature case studies on technological innovation, highlighting successful collaborations in the sector, as well as a roundtable discussion addressing the main challenges and opportunities in by-product valorisation. This initiative provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration between stakeholders committed to advancing circular economy solutions in the agri-food industry. Registration is free but mandatory by February 25.The event will be conducted in Portuguese. REGISTER

Maria Relvas Awarded LPCC-NRN Research Grant to Advance Cancer Diagnostics

Maria Relvas, a PhD student and Associate at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in the Diéguez Research Group, supervised by Sara Abalde-Cela, has been awarded a Research Initiation Grant by the Portuguese Cancer League – North Branch (LPCC-NRN) to advance cancer diagnosis. The project builds upon findings from SENTINEL and 3DSecret, two prior research initiatives that have contributed to the development of novel diagnostic technologies. Her innovative project applies a novel nanosensor for the classification and prediction of cancer patterns, aiming to improve early detection and patient outcomes. As part of the funded project, Maria is leveraging the ex-vivo potential of this nanosensor to analyze two distinct cohorts of plasma samples from prostate and breast cancer patients from Hospital de Braga and CCA-Braga. The research seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of this nanosensor in cancer monitoring while also exploring its potential to predict cancer outcomes by integrating clinical data from patients. This study aligns with the broader mission of advancing oncology through technology-driven solutions, particularly in developing personalized medicine approaches. By combining nanosensing capabilities with patient-specific data, the project has the potential to contribute significantly to more precise and effective cancer diagnostics and treatment strategies. The recognition of Maria Relvas’ research highlights INL’s commitment to pioneering nanotechnology solutions for healthcare, reinforcing the importance of early […]

World Cancer Day: INL’s Breakthrough Technologies in Cancer Research

Cancer touches millions of lives in countless ways, but it doesn’t define who we are. We are more than a disease, more than a statistic. Every experience with cancer is unique, and it will take all of us—united—to create a world where we look beyond the illness and see the person before the patient. The World Cancer Day places people at the heart of care and explores new ways to make a difference, raising awareness to taking action, ensuring that science, innovation, and compassion go hand in hand. At INL – The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, we are committed to shaping the future of cancer research through nanotechnology, AI, and advanced diagnostics—always with people at the centre of our mission. Nanotechnology for a Future Without Cancer BIOCELLPHE: Detecting Cancer Before It SpreadsMetastasis is responsible for most cancer-related deaths, but what if we could detect it before it takes hold? BIOCELLPHE is developing engineered bacteria that can recognise tumour cells in the bloodstream and trigger ultra-sensitive signals detected by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This breakthrough lab-on-a-chip technology could redefine early cancer detection and save countless lives. PROMISE: Giving Doctors Better Tools to Treat Metastatic CancerFor colorectal cancer patients, survival often depends on how well doctors can track and predict their response to treatments. PROMISE combines bioprinting, biomaterials, and […]

INL Joins the Global Celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025)

The year 2025 marks a century since the foundational principles of quantum theory were first formulated, shaping the modern scientific and technological landscape. Recognizing this milestone, the United Nations General Assembly has officially proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025). This global initiative will showcase the vast potential of quantum science and its transformative impact on society in the 21st century. A wide array of scientific and technological organizations are participating in this historic celebration, and INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – is proud to be one of them. INL is fully committed to the communication and outreach efforts of IYQ2025, ensuring broad dissemination of its significance and impact. Portugal’s Role in IYQ2025 In INL’s host country, Portugal, the Portuguese Physical Society has established a national committee dedicated to planning and promoting activities aligned with IYQ2025. As a key supporter, INL has launched a dedicated website to share information on various events, including talks, conferences, and other initiatives throughout the year. A Global Celebration IYQ2025 will officially commence with an opening ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on February 4-5, 2025. This high-profile event will set the stage for a year filled with […]

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 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 […]