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INL de Braga descobre como fazer conversão mais eficiente de energia fotovoltaica

Nano Circus: the amazing experience of arts & science

On January 26th at 21:30, prepare for an extraordinary event at INL – the Nano Circus! Last summer, the Equilibrium Social Circus team visited INL for an exciting artistic residency, fostering the exchange of knowledge. The Equilibrium Social Circus is a social project dedicated to preventing behavioural issues in adolescence through Social Circus, an innovative approach merging circus arts and social intervention to act as a catalyst for psychosocial transformation. During this residency, teenagers explored INL laboratories providing them with a unique opportunity to explore nanotechnology and engage with scientists. In a delightful twist, the researchers, in turn, tested their balance through circus activities, discovering new artistic skills in the process. Drawing inspiration from this transformative experience, the Equilibrium Social Circus created a circus show inspired by nanotechnology and science. Tickets are available here. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about INL and be part of this one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the fusion of science and artistic spectacle. Join us for an unforgettable evening on January 26th! >> Event tickets in partnership with:

Wrapping Up 2023: People

We appreciate and recognize the contributions of the scientific community and our researchers. All INLers play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the world, driving innovation, and solving complex problems. Your dedication and hard work contribute to improvements in Advanced Materials and Computing, Clean Energy, Food for the Future, Precise Personalised Health Tech, Smart Digital Nano-systems, and Sustainable Environment.  Join us on this ride and remember all the interviews carried out throughout the year. Helena Macedo, a woman with a love for science and a scientist with a love for life Meet Helena Macedo, Research Fellow in the Food Processing and Nutrition research group. She works in the field of in vitro intestinal models, and she focused her research on the development of in vitro models that simulate the gastrointestinal tract to evaluate the safety and efficiency of nanostructures for food applications. Read the full interview >> Meet Marta Prado, the first Postdoctoral Researcher to arrive at our facilities when INL was built Marta Prado is the group leader of the Food Quality and Safety Research Group (FQ&S) at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. Her research interests are the development of new, fast and reliable detection methodologies combining molecular biology and nano- and […]

Wrapping Up 2023: Research

2023 has been a busy year for the INL Community. This week we take a look at some of this year’s highlights and achievements regarding our projects, and the latest research developments. Even with all the changes, INL persisted in performing interdisciplinary research and deploying and articulating nanotechnology for the benefit of society addressing society’s grand challenges.  Here’s a comprehensive wrap-up of the key moments that defined the past 12 months. INL inaugurates state-of-the-art Cryo-Electron Microscope that helps to study new diseases Analysing biostructures down to the atomic level can help to study diseases such as Alzheimer’s or cancer, as well as to develop new therapies. This new type of investigation is now possible from Braga, thanks to the new electronic cryogenic microscope installed at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. The acquisition of this equipment is part of the creation of the CryoEM-PT National Network, “an electron microscopy network for life and health sciences”, explains Paulo Ferreira, scientific coordinator of this initiative that opens doors to researchers and companies in Iberia, allowing easy access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and technologies. Read the full update >> ATLANTICLAM, brings Euro-native clam species from ‘farm to fork’ INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory […]

Wrapping Up 2023: Events

As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on the significant events that shaped the year at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. The INL team worked incredibly hard throughout 2023, bringing all our events to life. In 2023, we opened our doors to almost 5000 people across 50 events. Each event contributed uniquely to the vibrant diversity of experiences at INL, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of all these memorable moments. Here’s a comprehensive wrap-up of the key moments that defined the past 12 months. FUNLAYERS twinning EU project kicks off with a workshop The Functional Layered Materials for Advanced Applications – FUNLAYERS project consists of a twinning initiative aimed to propel INL’s research excellence in the field of layered materials whilst unfolding its tremendous potential applications for energy storage and spintronics, under the coordination of INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory together with the other ALBA-CELLS and Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics (MPG) teams. Read the full update >> INL hosted the Horizon Europe BATT4EU Funding Opportunities event INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in collaboration with ANI – Agência Nacional de Inovação hosted the Horizon Europe BATT4EU Funding […]

Solar energy solutions inspired by nature

ADAPTATION is the new European-funded project, which involves collaborative efforts from Spain and Portugal. This Iberian consortium combines the scientific expertise from INL, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Minho, and University of Vigo. ADAPTATION draws inspiration from nature, more precisely from photosynthesis. The project aims to develop an innovative technology to absorb solar energy for electricity generation while incorporating self-cooling capabilities to mitigate energy losses. Sara Núñez-Sánchez, researcher at the University of Minho and coordinator of the project, explains that “the survival of plants does not depend so much on the amount of energy they absorb but on how efficiently they transport that energy”. This mechanism is what the ADAPTATION project aims to mimic, creating a new concept for a solar energy conversion device. The efficiency of devices that convert energy into electricity, such as solar panels, tends to decrease as heat accumulates. “The integration of photovoltaic or solar energy capture technologies is incompatible with technologies that allow efficient temperature management”, says Pedro David García, a researcher at ICMM-CSIC. The Iberian team will focus on mimicking, at the molecular level, how natural photosynthetic tissues are organised to generate new materials at the nanoscale. “All the structures we […]

Understanding quantum entanglement

INL researchers have recently published a scientific paper describing a new method to confirm the presence of quantum entanglement. Similar to electricity and magnetism, quantum entanglement is a natural phenomenon that plays a central role in the most fascinating aspects of quantum mechanics. Quantum entanglement is a peculiar and counterintuitive occurrence that describes the intricate connection between two subatomic particles, even when they are separated by large distances. Any alteration made to one of these particles will instantaneously impact the other, defying the conventional expectation that distance should limit such influences. The idea that quantum entanglement can be used as a resource is fundamental to fields like quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications. To make use of quantum entanglement, it is crucial to develop tools for investigating it, which can be particularly challenging at the nanoscale. INL researchers have recently described a new technique to identify quantum entanglement, by using state-of-the-art equipment – electron spin resonance using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Joaquín Fernández-Rossier, Theory of Quantum Nanostructures research group leader, says that “our proposal adds a completely new functionality to STM, establishing a connection between quantum information and surface science”. This work was supported by the Quantum Portugal Initiative […]

INL contributes to the NGS Agenda

As part of Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), INL actively contributes to the NGS Agenda, engaging in various research initiatives spanning the entire battery value chain. This involves establishing a comprehensive battery ecosystem, encompassing the production of battery components and the exploration of novel materials and processes for battery manufacturing. Yesterday, INL hosted the NGS Networking Day, organised by dstgroup. The morning session featured two roundtable discussions addressing topics such as the ‘valorisation and advanced refining’ of batteries, and the installation and development of safer and sustainable ‘cells, modules, and components’. Before the lunch break, there was a dedicated moment to address crucial agenda management topics. The afternoon started with additional roundtable discussions covering ‘battery pack assembly’, ‘integration and applications,’ and the ‘recycling and second life’ aspects of batteries. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to explore avenues for enhancing technical skills, advancing knowledge, and fostering education within the diverse partner organisations. Concluding the afternoon, the Battery Cluster PT introduced a new Technology Platform that will propel the industry to the forefront of the international battery sector. This event served as a valuable platform for all NGS Agenda partners to discuss significant matters, and collaborate in creating an innovative battery […]

Enhancing nutrition for older adults through nanotechnology

Aging often brings challenges such as alterations in taste, smell, chewing, and swallowing, leading to insufficient eating and malnutrition. To address these issues, INL scientists are actively developing advanced technologies for food fortification and customised textures, aiming to promote a more balanced diet for seniors. A particularly promising strategy involves the creation of personalised foods to meet the unique nutritional needs of the elderly. Arlete Marques, a PhD fellow supported by FCT, is developing her research in collaboration with INL and the Centre of Biological Engineering at the University of Minho. Arlete emphasises that “this approach not only ensures that seniors meet their nutritional requirements but also aligns with their individual preferences”. One aspect of this research focuses on crafting an alternative protein-based meat-like product tailored for older individuals with swallowing difficulties. The INL Food Processing and Nutrition research group explores nanotechnology to enrich the food with iron and folic acid. The group has developed micro and nanoparticles that can lead to a better absorption of the micronutrients in the digestive system. In terms of food texture, the team is working with Aspergillus oryzae, a filamentous fungus that is widely used in food fermentation, particularly in Asian countries. Aspergillus oryzae […]