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

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 […]

A miniaturised model of human digestion to advance therapies and nutritional products

INL researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the development of reliable in-vitro digestion models. This ‘digestion-chip’ promises to revolutionise the way new oral formulations are tested, offering a more accurate, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to current models. Traditional in-vitro digestion models often fail to replicate the complex dynamics of the human gastrointestinal tract. They either lack critical digestive processes or require large volumes of samples and reagents, which can be challenging when dealing with nanomaterials. The INL’s innovative ‘digestion-chip’ addresses these limitations with its miniaturised design and advanced features. The coordinator of the study Catarina Gonçalves explains, “the Food Processing and Nutrition research group proposes a miniaturised digestion system based on incubation chambers integrated into a polymethylmethacrylate device. This solution incorporates key dynamic features of human digestion while maintaining low complexity and using small volumes of samples and reagents”. The digestion-chip features gradual acidification (the stepwise addition of enzymes and simulated fluids during the gastric phase) and controlled gastric emptying. These capabilities are essential for replicating the intricate environment of the human stomach and intestines. The research team’s experimental results indicate that “the ‘digestion-chip’ successfully replicates the established static digestion INFOGEST protocol”. Moreover, “the semi-dynamic digestion kinetics observed with […]

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 hosted a two-day gathering focused on Functional Layered Materials

Between June 18 and 19, INL hosted a two-day action promoted by FUNLAYERS – a twinning initiative led by INL. The programme brought together stakeholders from academia, the private sector, and policymakers to engage with two actions. On the first day, participants delved into insightful talks and lively discussions on spin-based applications and energy storage. The exchange of ideas led to a fruitful discussion on the latest developments and future perspectives for Functional Layered Materials. The second day was dedicated to a hands-on session focused on writing a sound proposal under the MCSA Postdoctoral Fellowships. The workshop gathered young researchers, grant experts, and experienced scientists in a vibrant and insightful ideation exercise. These actions aimed to establish the foundations for facilitating knowledge sharing and cooperation between relevant actors in the field.

Open Innovation Testbeds gathered at IndTech 2024 to discuss a collaborative strategy for the commercialisation of services

Around 30 representatives from 16 Open Innovation Testbeds (OITB) projects gathered in Namur, Belgium, on June 6th for the workshop “A Collaborative Strategy for the Commercialization of OITB Services.” This event coincided with IndTech 2024, where the session “Open Innovation Test Bed: A New Kid on the Block” took place on June 5th. Key takeaways included identifying collaboration areas for joint service portfolios in specific markets, steps to achieve these goals, and the challenges ahead. We also discussed the medium-term vision of a unified OITB ecosystem, aligned with future technology infrastructures in advanced materials. By identifying synergies, sharing resources, and addressing industry needs—particularly for SMEs and startups—the final aim is to support a more competitive industry that drives sustainable growth and employment in Europe.

Academia Senior visits INL

Last week, on June 4th, INL had a special visit from the “Academia Sénior” of Braga*. A total of 26 students, the oldest one being 90 years old, walked through the corridors of INL to learn about our short institutional history and the meaning of the famous phrase “There’s plenty of room at the bottom” from Dr. Richard Feynman. During their visit to INL, as part of their course “Memoirs and Autobiographies”, the beloved visitors had the opportunity to learn about the nanoscience behind both, technologies under development as well as existing technologies that are already touching people’s day-to-day activities. As our society embraces technological advancements, it is essential to recognise that curiosity knows no age limits. Elderly individuals remain keenly interested in new technologies and equipment, appreciating their potential towards new discoveries, to enhance quality of life and foster connections. As taxpayers, they have a right to transparency—understanding how investments in these innovations are made. Aiming to extend inclusiveness beyond the workforce, this visit reinforces the responsibility to open science to everyone, including those who have retired but still seek engagement and learning opportunities. This ensures that technological progress benefits all, regardless of age, promoting lifelong learning and active […]

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 […]

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 […]

Prev 1 … 18 19 20 21 22 … 120 Next

INL in the Media

Nanowerk | Incorporating graphene into solid-contact electrodes highly improves lithium detection

October 24, 2025

EcoInventos Green Technology | Científicos portugueses desarrollan “espejo nanométrico” que mejora un 1.5% la eficiencia de células solares ultrafinas

All Clippings

Press Inquiries

Press Corner

If you are interested to learn more about INL, share our news, or visit our Communication team, please contact us!