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INL’s Official Mourning Day in honour of Manuel Cargaleiro

The Portuguese Government declared today, July 2nd, a National Day of Mourning in honour of Manuel Cargaleiro. The mourning coincides with the funeral of Master Manuel Cargaleiro. Cargaleiro was a multifaceted artist renowned for his painting and ceramist work. He mastered colour and geometry remarkably, giving contemporary Portuguese art its unmistakable character. Throughout his career, his creations expressed his poetic vision of the world, building a legacy recognized by several generations of Portuguese people. His work, represented in national collections such as the State Contemporary Art Collection, as well as in international ones, was highly honoured. His accolades include Commander of the Order of Santiago da Espada de Portugal (1983), Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government (1984), Grand Cross of the Order of Merit (1989), Grand Cross of the Order of Infante D. Henrique (2017), Medal of Cultural Merit (2019), Grand Vermeil Medal (2019), and the Grand Cross of the Order of Camões (2023). Cargaleiro maintained an intense artistic activity throughout his life, creating an essential legacy for 20th-century Portuguese art. His unique style bridged various references and generations. Despite being a global figure, he remained deeply connected to his roots, choosing Castelo Branco […]

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 […]

INL partners with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025 (IYQ), endorsed by the United Nations

The United Nations has officially declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). This year-long global initiative aims to raise public awareness about the significance of quantum science and its diverse applications. In support of this momentous initiative, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory is also partnering with the United Nations, committing to a leading role in promoting quantum science throughout 2025. The year 2025 marks the centennial anniversary of the development of quantum mechanics, a foundational milestone that has driven modern technological and scientific advancements. This celebration aims to engage a broad audience in appreciating the profound impact of quantum science on daily life and future innovations. The IYQ Steering Committee is organizing a series of global initiatives and events designed to educate the public, inspire young scientists, and highlight the contributions of quantum science to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals include climate action, clean energy, food security, and clean water. INL’s Commitment to Quantum Science As a key partner in the IYQ, INL is dedicated to advancing quantum science and technology through research, innovation, and education. As we approach 2025, INL and its partners will emphasize the transformative potential of […]

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

INL Open Day 2024: A Celebration of Science and Community

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the INL Open Day turned into an extraordinary adventure, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of visitors and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers and researchers. The event welcomed over 1,000 visitors from all corners of the globe, offering them a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of being a scientist for a day. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in 30 hands-on experiments, guided by more than 100 volunteers, researchers, and INL staff members. This immersive experience allowed visitors to explore the vast potential of scientific inquiry and innovation within an environment that nurtures greatness. Participants had the chance to meet our researchers and delve into our state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insights into our unique ecosystem and vibrant community. This event not only showcased the exciting work happening at INL but also reinforced our commitment to enhancing the communities we serve. The INL Open Day was a testament to the power of science to inspire and connect people from diverse backgrounds. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us on this exceptional and enriching day. Your presence and enthusiasm made the event truly memorable. Thank you for celebrating with us, and we look forward to […]