News

INL Open Day 2024: A Celebration of Science and Community

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 […]

Read more
European Neuromorphic Computing Event Draws 100 Participants to Bridge Research and Innovation

European Neuromorphic Computing Event Draws 100 Participants to Bridge Research and Innovation

Yesterday, Braga, Portugal, played host to a pivotal event in the field of neuromorphic computing, attracting a diverse array of 100 participants. The gathering, which brought together representatives from ten ongoing European research projects on neuromorphic computing alongside two leading companies in the field, aimed to foster collaboration and innovation. At the core of the event was the mission to bridge the gap between scientifically sound technologies and practical innovation in neuromorphic computing. By merging discussions on technologies at different stages of maturity, organizers sought to identify common approaches and best practices for advancing these technologies in Europe. Key topics of discussion included exploring available tools and addressing challenges that artificial neural networks and systems face within the realm of neuromorphic computing. Representative examples from participating projects covered a spectrum of neuromorphic approaches, including electronics, spintronics, photonics, and other emerging materials often integrated with CMOS technology. These cutting-edge technologies find applications across various domains, including computer vision, edge AI, sensing, computing, high-frequency data processing, deep learning, security applications, and signal regeneration. Beyond formal sessions, participants engaged in informal discussions during a social dinner, fostering networking opportunities and collaboration beyond the confines of structured meetings. The event not only provided a […]

Read more
12th Congress of SciComPt Network Addresses Accessibility in Science Communication

12th Congress of SciComPt Network Addresses Accessibility in Science Communication

Yesterday, the halls of the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory echoed the vibrant discussions of scientists, communication professionals, and engaged citizens. The occasion? The highly anticipated 12th Congress of the SciComPt network, themed “Accessibility in Science Through Diverse Languages and Voices.” With a packed auditorium, the congress marked a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for inclusivity in the scientific arena. The event aimed to confront the urgent need for improved accessibility in science communication, recognizing that the responsibility of science extends far beyond the confines of laboratory walls. In today’s fast-paced society, merely granting access to scientific publications is insufficient in empowering citizens to fully engage with scientific knowledge. As science ventures into increasingly intricate and ethically nuanced territories, bridging the gap between scientific expertise and public comprehension becomes paramount. Against this backdrop, the congress emerged as a beacon of hope, shedding light on the pivotal role of science communication in nurturing a more inclusive scientific community. From fostering ongoing dialogues between scientists and society to addressing sensory limitations and diversifying communication channels, the congress explored a myriad of strategies to enhance accessibility in science. Tomorrow, May 10th, the congress enters its final day at the University of […]

Read more
André Araújo, an Electronics Engineer among Physicists

André Araújo, an Electronics Engineer among Physicists

André is a Research Engineer working in the Spintronics Research group at INL, and his focus is to provide technical hands-on expertise on advanced embedded systems and techniques, delivering solutions to interface sensors developed by the group. André holds an MSc in Electrical and Electronical Engineering from Universidade do Minho, specialising in embedded systems and technology systems and information. What are you currently focusing on in your work? Spintronics is a research group that has at its core the creation and fabrication of nanodevices, these devices comprise magneto-resistive sensors, oscillators, memristors and so on. Besides these research lines, there was always the need and interest to take this technology to the real world, testing it in a wide range of fields, and having industrial applications as the major target. Within this context, the group developed internally a hardware solution to acquire data from magneto-resistive sensors and software to accompany it, to serve as a data logger, a real-time data visualizer and an interpreter of data, both in time and frequency domains. The data can be analyzed, processed with filters and can be fed to AI algorithms to detect events and patterns which are relevant to the end user.  The need to […]

Read more
INL researchers awarded funding to develop an automated sensor to detect emerging viruses

INL researchers awarded funding to develop an automated sensor to detect emerging viruses

Zoonotic infectious diseases, i.e. diseases that transmit from animals to humans, are on the rise, and the potential for a new pandemic is more significant than ever. It is imperative to develop advanced technologies capable of continuous monitoring to identify high-risk zones for pathogen transmission between animals and humans. This requirement is essential to mitigate the potential human, socio-political, and economic impact of pandemics. The global initiative ‘One Health’ advocates collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health professionals to address health challenges. Its goal is to comprehend and prevent zoonotic diseases, while fostering a holistic approach to global health. Although the European Parliament calls for continuous surveillance and harmonised data collection from animal farms, current practices fall short for continuous and automatic detection, limiting detection to specific and already known pathogens. FLUFET, which stands for ‘FLow detection of virUses by graphene Field Effect Transistor microarrays’, is the new EIC Pathfinder project with a goal to develop a novel approach for the detection of viruses. It will be the first automated sensor capable of continuously detecting a broad spectrum of viral targets, including unknown viruses. This revolutionary sensor, combining technologies and knowledge from different fields, such as graphene field effect transistors […]

Read more
XVI UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference – Mayors Meeting

XVI UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference – Mayors Meeting

Created in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) aims to foster cooperation with and among cities that recognize creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. The UCCN is currently composed of 295 cities. Braga joined the network in 2017, becoming the only representative city in Media Arts in the Iberian Peninsula. With a resolute focus on ’20 years of UCCN: bringing youth to the table for the next decade’, the Conference underscores the critical imperative to harness the power of creativity and culture in building resilient and inclusive cities around the world. It stresses the importance of involving young minds in shaping this future.  At the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference hosted by Braga, the goal is to spotlight how creativity in cities empowers lively and sustainable urban life, influences future cities for the next generations, and fosters the expression of cultural diversity.  Additionally, it draws attention to the importance of creative solutions and culture-oriented practices in propelling the state of sustainable development. Furthermore, it sheds light on the role of culture in today’s society within the city’s context, emphasising its global recognition as a public good.  On July 3rd, INL will host a meeting where, approximately, 180 Mayors […]

Read more
INL hosted its Annual Research Symposium

INL hosted its Annual Research Symposium

Last week, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory was transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation and discovery as it hosted its Annual Research Symposium. This dynamic internal event provided a platform for research and engineering groups to showcase their latest breakthroughs and advancements to the wider INL community, sparking an atmosphere brimming with scientific fervour. Featuring an impressive array of 22 live demonstrations and over 100 captivating posters, the symposium immersed attendees in a unique series of cutting-edge science that infused every corner of the institution. Starting on Monday, April 22nd, the symposium began with exciting presentations on materials science, information technology, and communication. It then moved on to explore spintronics, photonics, and phononic principles, showcasing innovative devices with the potential to shape the future. The day concluded with a stimulating discussion on innovation pathways, mapping out strategies to advance technologies to the next level. In the subsequent days, the symposium continued to captivate with discussions spanning clean energy, environmental sustainability, and personalised health initiatives. The proceedings reached a crescendo with a captivating overview of metamaterials and their revolutionary implications for addressing food-related challenges. Amidst the intellectual exchange, the Advanced Electron Microscopy and Imaging Spectroscopy (AEMIS) facility at […]

Read more
Info Session with EIC, CONNECT and ESMEIA

Info Session with EIC, CONNECT and ESMEIA

INL and the Portuguese National Innovation Agency – ANI, host the Info Session Navigating the Digital Landscape: From Idea to Innovation. The programme is focused on the EIC Challenges and Cluster 4 of Horizon Europe and includes a set of bilateral sessions with the National Contact Points, during which participants will have the chance to explore the funding programmes EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition. The event counts on the valuable contribution of Isabel Obieta – EIC Programme Manager for Responsible Electronics, the participation of CONNECT – the EC Directorate‑General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, and EISMEIA – the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency. Registrations are now open; secure your spot here.

Read more
Natalia Spera, developing self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities

Natalia Spera, developing self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities

Natalia joined INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory as a Research Engineer in the Nanochemistry Research Group. She is currently working on synthesising, characterising, and applying sustainable coatings with self-healing solutions.  Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? I am currently working on the development of self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities and extend the longevity of offshore structures within the MAREWIND Project. My responsibilities encompass researching and developing core-shell nanofibers and microcapsules feasible for application in liquid coating formulations. Our solution entails having an autonomous healing response when the coating is damaged. Recently, we achieved a significant milestone by successfully scaling up our innovative self-healing materials for application in a 100-litre batch, marking a crucial step forward in transitioning laboratory technology to industry. Could you briefly describe what a typical day looks like for you, Natalia, and what aspects of your work and the INL organization excite you the most? Certainly! A typical day for me involves a dynamic mix of laboratory experiments, data analysis, and collaboration with colleagues. I usually begin with hands-on lab activities that occupy a significant portion of my day. Subsequent data analysis is also an exhilarating aspect, as […]

Read more
1 18 19 20 21 22 99