News

Olesia Dudik, focused on the development of an electrochemical sensing platform for alkali metal ion detection

Welcome to a new interview highlighting the indispensable role of women in science. We aim to showcase the remarkable contributions of women working at INL across various disciplines and career stages. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, share their stories, and inspire future generations of female scientists. Olesia Dudik is currently a Research Fellow in the Water Quality Group at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL). Her research area focuses on sensor development (optical, electrochemical). She holds a BSc and an MSc in organic chemistry from the Taurida National V.I. Vernadsky University (Ukraine) and obtained a PhD degree in Physics and Chemistry of Surface from the Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of NAS of Ukraine in 2014, studying adsorption-desorption processes and mechanisms and kinetics of chemical transformations of aliphatic and biologically active amines (anaesthetics) on the surface of dispersed oxides. Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? When I joined INL two years ago, the transition to working in the area of sensor development (optical, electrochemical) from a tissue engineering and regenerative medicine field was a bit challenging. Nevertheless, I was excited by the opportunity to gain new knowledge, and skills and implement them in discoveries. The acquired knowledge helps me grow further professionally.  Nowadays, my research area focuses on […]

Portugal’s Ministers Elvira Fortunato and António Costa Silva visited INL today

To highlight the crucial importance of INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in driving scientific advancements and economic growth, Portugal’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, Elvira Fortunato, alongside António Costa Silva, Minister of Economy and the Sea, visited INL today. The purpose of their visit was to showcase INL’s significant contributions on both national and international fronts, to delve into its strategic positioning within Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plans (PRRs) and its collaborations at the national and European levels, and to discuss INL’s future challenges and its positioning regarding ChipsAct. During the visit, the ministers underscored INL’s strategic alignment with Portugal’s PRRs, highlighting the laboratory’s integral involvement in driving forward key initiatives aimed at strengthening the research and innovation national ecosystem. INL’s collaborative efforts with national partners were also brought to the forefront, showcasing the laboratory’s commitment to fostering synergies within the external scientific and industrial community. Looking towards the future, the ministers addressed the challenges lying ahead for INL, particularly in the context of the burgeoning semiconductor industry. With the global semiconductor landscape evolving rapidly, INL faces the imperative of solidifying its position within initiatives like ChipsAct, aimed at fortifying Europe’s semiconductor capabilities. Ministers Fortunato and Silva […]

Beatriz Costa, developing 3D scaffolds integrated with nanodiamond photonics platforms

Welcome to a new interview highlighting the indispensable role of women in science. We aim to showcase the remarkable contributions of women working at INL across various disciplines and career stages. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, share their stories, and inspire future generations of female scientists. Today you can meet Beatriz Costa, Junior Research Fellow in the Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics group at INL under the supervision of Dr. Jana B. Nieder. Why did you decide to work in the Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics area? My decision to pursue research in the Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics area stems from its interdisciplinary nature and potential applications in biomedical engineering. With a background in Biomedical Engineering and a Major in Medical Electronics, I sought a field that would enable me to integrate diverse disciplines and cutting-edge technologies to address pressing healthcare challenges. The Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics area offers a unique convergence of optics, nanotechnology, and biology, providing opportunities to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Can you tell us what you are working on at present? Currently, I am engaged in a research project focused on developing 3D scaffolds integrated with nanodiamond photonics platforms. These scaffolds serve as intricate […]

Detecting food allergens with paper microfluidics and a smartphone

Every day, millions are at risk of falling ill due to undetected allergens or contaminants in their food. However, a groundbreaking solution may be on the horizon, as researchers investigate a game-changing technology to combat foodborne risks. The Food Quality and Safety research group recently published a study describing a cutting-edge technology that provides faster, cheaper, and more reliable detection of allergens like β-lactoglobulin in our food. Traditionally, detecting allergens in food products has been a complex and costly process. Current methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), require specialised equipment and highly-trained personnel, making them difficult to use. INL researchers are contributing to reshaping the landscape of food safety with a new nanotechnology approach. Their pioneering approach? Fluorescent carbon quantum dots combined with aptamers, which are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and specificity. By leveraging the unique properties of carbon quantum dots and aptamers, the researchers have developed a highly sensitive and portable detection method for β-lactoglobulin, the primary allergenic whey protein found in cow’s milk. What sets this technology apart is its simplicity and effectiveness. The team has created a user-friendly platform that […]

Detecting food allergens with paper microfluidics and a smartphone

Prof. Paulo Freitas completed 15 years as INL Deputy Director General, the last interview

Welcome to our final interview with Professor Paulo Freitas, marking his remarkable 15-year tenure as Deputy Director General of INL (International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory). Throughout his tenure, Prof. Freitas has been instrumental in steering INL towards excellence in nanotechnology research and innovation. In this interview, we’ll reflect on Prof. Freitas’s significant contributions, highlight key achievements during his tenure, and gain insights into the future of nanotechnology and scientific leadership. Join us as we celebrate Prof. Freitas’s outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing nanotechnology on the global stage. Welcome to a conversation honouring 15 years of visionary leadership at INL. Best wishes for the future, Prof. Paulo Freitas! May your path continue to be illuminated with success, fulfilment, and boundless opportunities. Your dedication, leadership, and contributions to the field of nanotechnology have been truly inspiring. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours! Text by Gina Palha, Corporate Communication and Marketing Officer

INL hosts Info Session dedicated to the Chips JU 2024 funding opportunities

INL partnered up with the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Agency of Innovation (ANI) to promote an Information Session dedicated to the European Partnership Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU). The event delved into the funding opportunities available under the initiative that acts as an instrumental central force in the implementation of the European Chips Act mission – a framework designed to strengthen the continent’s competitiveness and resilience in semiconductor technologies. Opening the session, the Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, Elvira Fortunato, assured that Portugal is deeply committed to contributing to the joint resilience of the European Union, having established a National Strategy for Semiconductors with strategic lines of action in innovative areas. According to the Minister, the endeavour aims at improving not only the infrastructure, facilities, laboratories, and organisation of chip manufacturing but also in terms of talent capabilities, qualification, and retention – one of the global challenges in this sector. The event counted with the presence of Anton Chichkov, Chips JU Programme Officer, who explored the joint undertaking work plan, introducing the calls available for 2024, and presenting the Pilot Lines and Competence Centres foreseen for this initiative, as well as […]

2024 SPMicros Annual Conference

The Portuguese Microscopy Society (SPMicros) is thrilled to announce its annual conference, focusing on the latest advancements in microscopy in the areas of Materials Science and Life Science. The 2024 edition of the SPMicros Conference will gather leading experts from across Portugal to explore recent breakthroughs and discuss future developments in these dynamic fields SPMicros2024 is designed for a diverse audience, including faculty members, researchers, students, facility managers, industry professionals, and anyone with a passion for microscopy, imaging, and spectroscopy. This national event promises to be an inspiring platform for knowledge exchange and networking. Join us in Braga to stay at the forefront of microscopy innovation and contribute to the advancement of this crucial scientific discipline.

Alexandra Teixeira, developing diagnostic tools tailored for accurate MRD diagnosis

Welcome to a new series of interviews highlighting the indispensable role of women in science. Throughout this series, we aim to showcase the remarkable contributions of women scientists across various disciplines and career stages. From groundbreaking research to innovative discoveries, these interviews will provide insight into the diverse and impactful work of women in the scientific community. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, share their stories, and inspire future generations of female scientists. Meet Alexandra Teixeira, PhD Student at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. Recently defended her PhD thesis entitled: “Development of microfluidic nano biosensors for early diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia and monitoring of minimal residual disease” with the highest grade. Could you provide some insights into your background, your primary field of expertise, and the significance of your work? My educational journey started with a degree in Biology and Geology at the University of Minho. However, driven by a passion for health-related sciences, I did a master’s degree and later a PhD in Health Sciences at the School of Medicine, also at the University of Minho. Throughout my career, particularly during PhD, I gained expertise in microfluidics, surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). […]