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INL obtained the “HR Excellence in Research” award

INL was granted the HR Excellence in Research distinction of the European Commission in the framework of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) and is now listed among the HRS4R-acknowledged institutions. The award demonstrates INL´s commitment to continuously improving its human resource policies in line with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. This achievement is the result of a joint effort involving the INL´s HRS4R Commission (Steering Committee and Working Group) and the research community. From now on, INL can use the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ award to promote a stimulating and favourable work environment for researchers. This will be an evolving procedure, and INL will thrive to continue improving its human resources strategies towards a better research environment. The European Commission recognizes with the ‘HR Excellence in Research Award’ the institutions which make progress in aligning their human resources policies to the 40 principles of the Charter & Code. Find here INL listed on the Euraxess website under “Charter and Code Endorsements.

smart-PV project ends with a final workshop

The final workshop of the smart-PV project took place last July, marking the successful completion of this research and development initiative. The PT2020 framework under COMPETE funded the project and was managed by the Portuguese Innovation Agency (ANI) under the contract reference POCI-01-0247-FEDER-068919. These collaborative projects, led by the industry, aim to develop innovative technologies in cooperation with partners. dstSolar led the smart-PV project, together with the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Instituto Eletrónico Português (IEP), and Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores, Tecnologia e Ciência (INESC-TEC). Together, we developed a ground-breaking platform for managing photovoltaic assets. This platform collects data from various sources, including thermal images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles, meteorological data, and inverter electrical data. Utilizing advanced neural networks, the platform makes informed decisions regarding maintenance and predicts performance. Professor Pedro Salomé, the group leader of the Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications group (NOA) at INL, shared his thoughts on the project, stating that “when INL published its INL Go Global 2030 strategy document, which highlighted machine learning and digitalization as strategic priorities, our group immediately took the lead in coordinating the smart-PV proposal. We developed the smart-PV concept, utilizing neural networks to manage photovoltaic […]

Revolutionising optical systems: INL’s cutting-edge micro-mirror technology

Micro mirrors with large two-dimensional fields of view are a crucial breakthrough for achieving compact optical systems capable of reliable light manipulation, powering revolutionary applications like LIDAR and laser microscopy. INL researchers, in collaboration with the University of Minho and Bosch, have developed ground-breaking 1D and 2D micro-mirror technology using state-of-the-art MEMS (Micro Electronic Mechanical Systems) silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based bulk micromachining. Impressively, neither complex bonding processes nor piezoelectric materials are needed to fabricate these mirrors, paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective solutions. The developed micro-mirrors feature purely electrostatic torsional out-of-plane actuation and capacitive sensing on both axes. “The unique self-aligned greyscale lithography micromachining process developed at INL, reduces gap tolerances and boosts performance by defining the vertical asymmetry of the comb electrodes with precision”, explains Inês Garcia, one of the leading researchers responsible for the success of the project. This technology has already made strides in LIDAR prototypes for automotive applications, but the potential does not end there. Diogo Aguiam adds “we are excited about the prospects of its implementation in compact laser microscopy and laser projection, opening up new horizons in scientific research and entertainment”.

Celebrating World Brain Day: INL’s JumpIN project advances brain health and spinal cord injury research

World Brain Day is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about neurological disorders and promoting brain health. Today we want to highlight one of the projects that we are working on at INL – JumpIN, which aligns with the mission of World Brain Day to promote brain health and combat the challenges posed by brain-related diseases. Spinal cord injury is a significant global health concern, with approximately 500,000 new cases reported each year. These injuries result in neurological deficits, and studies indicate that 99% of patients experience lifelong functional impairment, ranging from partial paralysis to full tetraplegia. The prognosis of recovery largely depends on the number of surviving neurons close to the injury site, as these neurons can contribute to functional improvements through neuroplasticity (i.e. the ability of the brain to change and adapt). The JumpIN project aims to develop efficient strategies to promote neuronal repair and regeneration following spinal cord injury. The new approach aims to achieve therapy administration using minimally invasive methods, which are preferred because they can reduce the risk of complications, minimise tissue damage, and potentially lead to faster recovery times. Researchers at INL are contributing to this innovative project by adding their expertise in […]

INL researchers actively engaged in hydrogen and renewable gas research

INL researchers from the Clean Energy cluster are actively engaged in hydrogen and renewable gas research. Hydrogen holds tremendous potential to revolutionize our society in various ways. As a clean and versatile energy carrier, hydrogen offers a promising solution to mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It can be produced from water and renewable electricity, and it can be transformed into a wide range of synthetic fuels. Advancements in hydrogen research are driving the development of efficient and cost-effective methods for hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation. Hydrogen can be directly used in fuel cells for transportation, enabling zero-emission vehicles and reducing air pollution. It can also be used in industrial processes and power generation, fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem. Furthermore, by combining hydrogen with other abundant gases, it is possible to produce methane, methanol or other renewable gases, that are compatible with existing natural gas and energy infrastructure. While these factors open up opportunities for the widespread adoption of hydrogen, there is still a need to develop more efficient electrolysers and other systems that use fewer critical raw materials. Moreover, hydrogen can be applied in various sectors, including industrial processes, power generation, and residential applications, further contributing […]

Researchers from INL visited EB2/3 André Soares as part of the incluIR project

INL researchers visited, yesterday, the EB2/3 André Soares school, starting a new partnership with the Municipality of Braga within the scope of the ‘incluIR’ project. 7 researchers from different research areas were involved in the activity. ‘incluIR’ is an inclusive holidays project that allows children and adolescents to participate in educational activities, mitigating social and economic differences. During the months of July and August, participants take part in unusual activities, interacting with stimulating experiences and realities, which reinforce the importance of education through Art, Culture and Science. Carla Sepúlveda, Councilwoman for Education, Innovation, and Social Cohesion at the Municipality of Braga, remarked that “’incluIR’, besides its inclusive and integrative aspect, also has a very strong collaborative sphere. It is only possible to offer a program with quality activities based on partnerships with the various structures of the city/county.” She also added that “the partnership with INL arises from the intention of involving an important and fundamental structure for the territory in a project that promotes inclusion. Our goal is to bring to the school and to the vacation program the best that the city has to offer. We believe that an Educating City is the union of efforts and synergies […]

Revolutionizing quantum technologies – INL researcher, Leonardo Novo, published groundbreaking findings in Nature Photonics

Leonardo Novo, Staff Researcher at the Quantum and Linear-Optical Computation, has just published a scientific paper in the renowned journal Nature Photonics entitled “Boson bunching is not maximized by indistinguishable particles”. In this work, the team proposed an experiment that contradicts common knowledge on the so-called bunching property of photons. The observation of this abnormal effect seems to be within reach of today’s photonic technologies. The quantum world is indeed very complex to understand, and today we meet Leonardo so he can explain his most recent work on Boson bunching. Leonardo, congratulations on your latest work published in Nature Photonics! Can you explain what Boson bunching is? Before explaining Boson bunching let me just mention what a Boson is. For all we know, the fundamental particles that we encounter in our universe are divided into two groups: the bosons and the fermions. The ‘most famous’ bosons are the photons, the particles from which light is made, whereas electrons, protons or neutrons are fermions. There is a very powerful principle in quantum mechanics that allows us to predict many phenomena, which, in very simple terms, says that fermions have the tendency to avoid each other while bosons have the tendency to stay […]

Fire Drill at INL

The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory carried out an evacuation simulation of the INL buildings, today morning, July 3rd. Several agents linked to the civil protection of Braga were involved, namely Firefighters and Security Forces. This exercise aimed to test the response capacity of the INL and civil protection agents in Braga in the context of an emergency situation. This is an action in accordance with the Technical Regulation on Fire Safety in Buildings in force. The total evacuation of people working in the INL buildings was part of the self-protection measures within the scope of the aforementioned regulation, and took place, after the alarm sounded, under the coordination of those responsible for the areas and in accordance with the protocols in force. We work every day to avoid occurrences of this kind, but we have to be prepared in case they happen, for those who work at INL and for those who live close to us.

hOLIVEcream – healthy creams based on olive oil enriched with red fruits

Currently, some strategies are focused on developing “clean label” products, which consider the current sustainability requirements, rely on natural products, and present a healthy nutritional profile. In this context, the project hOLIVEcream project aimed to create new creams that use vegetable fat and incorporate red fruits for pastry and bakery products. These products guarantee healthy lipidic profiles, with low saturated fat and high antioxidant content. INL researchers were in charge of developing and characterising the new formulations. Decorgel has partnered with INL has obtained so these new solutions could be incorporated into creams to be used in pastry and bakery products. This project brought significant advantages, with the development and introduction in the market of noel products that currently do not exist internationally. INL researchers thoroughly investigated the new fats to be incorporated in bakery and pastries, including textural, sensorial, rheological (deformation) and structural evaluations, at the micro and nanoscale. Buse Gurbuz, a researcher in the Food Processing and Nutrition research group at INL, explains that “all formulations were designed considering the characteristics of the products already used in the pastry sector, as a slight modification could alter the sensory perception of the final baking product”. Olive oil, an endogenous […]