News

ISFGM 2024

17th International Symposium on FUNCTIONALLY GRADED MATERIALS Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) are multi-phase materials in which the micro- and/or nanostructure is manipulated in order to provide a non-uniform distribution of the different phases. The intention is to build different spatial or even time-dependent properties throughout the mass of a single component, giving multi-functionality and sensitivity to various external solicitations. This is a multi-disciplinary field of work in which scientists with backgrounds in engineering and physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine are involved. Furthermore, the interest of industrials in this challenging field is high because new applications are continuously being discovered and developed to join those already existing in biomedical, biomechanical, automotive, aerospace, mechanical, civil, nuclear, and naval engineering. It will be a major forum with opportunities for networking, exchanging experiences, discussing, and enhancing state-of-art techniques and recent developments in FGMs.  We count on your presence. Register here.

PROFITEX: Inovação no interior automóvel

#ISFGM2024 – International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials at INL

Excitement is building as the 17th International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials – #ISFGM2024 prepares to convene at the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal. Mark your calendars for September 29 to October 2, 2024, as this groundbreaking event promises to bring together leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals from around the globe. Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) represent a revolutionary approach to material science, where the micro- and/or nanostructure is manipulated to create non-uniform distributions of different phases. This innovative technique enables the development of materials with diverse spatial or time-dependent properties within a single component, offering multi-functionality and sensitivity to various external stimuli. With applications spanning biomedical, automotive, aerospace, mechanical, civil, nuclear, and naval engineering, FGMs have garnered immense interest from both academia and industry. #ISFGM2024 serves as a vital platform for scientists and engineers from diverse disciplines, including engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine, to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore the latest advancements in this dynamic field. The symposium will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, and poster presentations, providing ample opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Attendees can expect to engage in discussions on state-of-the-art techniques, recent developments, and emerging trends […]

INL Opens its doors to the public for a day of scientific exploration – #INLOPENDAY2024

INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory invites you to a day of discovery and exploration on May 18, 2024, in Braga, Portugal. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the cutting-edge research and innovation happening within our renowned institution. Visitors will have the chance to meet our esteemed researchers and delve into the fascinating world of nanotechnology. Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, interact with our scientists, and learn about the groundbreaking projects shaping the future of science and technology. At INL, we believe in the power of collaboration and community. This event not only showcases our commitment to excellence in research but also serves as a platform to strengthen our ties with the communities we serve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who join us on this exceptional day of scientific discovery. Together, let us embark on a journey into the realm of science, where possibilities are boundless and innovation knows no bounds. For more information and to register for this event, please click here. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an enriching and inspiring experience at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. We look forward to welcoming you!

Sadaf Almas, effective audit facilitation and continuous improvement initiatives

We aim to shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of women at INL spanning different fields and career stages. Join us as we honour their accomplishments, share their stories, and ignite inspiration for the upcoming generation of female scientists. Meet Sadaf Almas. She works as a Quality systems Assistant in the Quality and Coordination unit at INL and she coordinates and inspects the core departments at INL to ensure the quality management systems consistency in terms of quality, validity, and reliability with study bases, facility-based and process-based approaches. Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? In my role within the Quality department, I play a crucial role in ensuring adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, particularly in the context of Nanosafety laboratories. My primary responsibility revolves around facilitating GLP audits, employing principles established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). First and foremost, I work closely with Nanosafety to develop comprehensive audit schedules aligned with OECD guidelines. This involves collaborating with INLers to ensure that all pertinent aspects of GLP are covered, from facility infrastructure to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data management protocols. Before conducting audits, I review existing documentation […]

INL Hosts Open Session to Explore Breakthroughs in Single-Cell Analysis for Personalized Oncology

On April 4th, INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, in collaboration with the BIOCELLPHE project, is set to host an Open Session focused on pioneering advancements in single-cell analysis. This exclusive event presents a platform to delve into the challenges and opportunities within the field of single-cell analysis. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with leading experts and researchers, exploring the potential impact of these advancements on personalized oncology. INL’s partnership in the BIOCELLPHE project underscores its commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration at the forefront of nanotechnology research. By hosting this Open Session, INL aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and stimulate dialogue among stakeholders invested in the future of healthcare and diagnostics. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative discussion on the cutting-edge developments in single-cell analysis for personalized oncology. Join us at INL on April 4th and be a part of shaping the future of healthcare. BIOCELLPHE, a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 FET-OPEN programme under Grant Agreement No #965018, aims to revolutionize the identification of proteins as diagnostic biomarkers at the single-cell level, boasting unparalleled sensitivity, multiplexing capabilities, and portability. Registration for the event is now open. […]

Is greenhouse farming releasing microplastics into water?

Is greenhouse farming releasing microplastics into water?

In a recent study conducted by INL researchers, in collaboration with University of Alcalá, Madrid, it has been revealed that greenhouse plastic cover films, commonly composed of polyethylene (PE), are releasing microplastics into the environment during their usage, significantly impacting ecosystems. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can result from commercial product development or from the breakdown of larger plastics, and may take hundreds or thousands of years to decompose. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, and nanoplastics, typically smaller than 1 micrometre, have been identified in various ecosystems, including water bodies, soil, and even food and beverages. Their ability to penetrate biological barriers and interact with organisms raises significant concerns about their long-term impacts on biodiversity and human health. The study was conducted over a six-month period in Almeria, Spain, where extensive greenhouse farming is practiced, to better understand the consequences of plastic degradation. Most vegetables grown in these greenhouses are sown and harvested within 6 months, and water analysis was performed at several time points. Researchers from the Water Quality research group at INL and the University of Alcalá applied advanced characterisation techniques to assess the chemical fingerprint, size distribution, and concentration of plastic particles released […]

BIOCELLPHE Open Session 2024

April 4th, INL hosts an Open Session promoted by BIOCELLPHE – the H2020 project that provides frontier scientific and technological advancements to generate a breakthrough technology realizing the identification of proteins (i.e. phenotyping) as diagnostic biomarkers at single-cell level with unmatched sensitivity, multiplexing capabilities and portability. The event aims at discussing the challenges in the field of single cell analysis, and the potential impact of the advances in this field for personalised oncology. You can register here and check the agenda below. INL is a partner of the BIOLCELLPHE project, which was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 FET-OPEN programme under Grant Agreement No #965018.