News

FEASTS launched: a research project on cultivated meat and seafood explores the future of protein

Nano Circus: the amazing experience of arts & science

Last Friday evening, INL hosted the Nano Circus, an extraordinary event that combined nanotechnology and circus arts, in a dazzling show of creativity and collaboration. Nano Circus showcased the culmination of a transformative artistic residency by the Equilibrium Social Circus team at INL. The Director General of INL Professor Clivia Sotomayor, took the stage to officially inaugurate the celebration, emphasising INL’s commitment to making the wonders of nanotechnology accessible to diverse communities. In July, the Equilibrium Social Circus team was invited to visit INL for an exciting artistic residency, fostering the exchange of knowledge. Sara Leite, project coordinator at Projecto Homem, gave a few words before the show “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”. These students weren’t passive observers – they were the architects of the Nano Circus. With guidance from their mentor Rodolfo Correia, they explored INL’s laboratories, delving into the microscopic world of nanotechnology and interacting with scientists. INL researchers Adriana Carneiro, Andrea Gouvêa, José Loché, and Duarte Mota, shared their scientific expertise, and the Equilibrium Social Circus team shared […]

INL REC – Research Ethics Committee – was presented to the INL community

Last Friday, January 19th 2024, the INL Research Ethics Committee (REC) was presented to the INL Community. The committee aims to promote research integrity and establish methodologies to foster an ethical environment. Throughout its beginnings, the REC has been working on its statutes, Code of Ethics, and procedures, to serve both INL researchers and consortia with whom we collaborate. To consolidate an ethical culture in all aspects of research practice, the INL Code of Ethics, following the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, describes the 14 principles which guide their work: common good, excellence, professionalism, freedom, accountability, inventiveness, honesty, integrity, reliability, cooperation, loyalty, respect, fairness, and safety. Following this event, INL plans to reinforce its commitment towards RRI – Responsible Research and Innovation, by indagating into each pillar defining RRI. We began the year 2024 with Ethics, aiming to then bring further awareness of the other pillars: Sustainability, Openness and Transparency, Equality, Science Education and Public Engagement. For more information about RRI, and the INL REC, please visit our INL website. Text by: Mariam Debs, Chief Operations Officer for the RTI OfficePhotography by: Patrícia Barroso, Communication, Conferences & Marketing Officer

Celebrating 15 Years of Exemplary Leadership: Farewell to INL Deputy Director General, Prof. Paulo Freitas

Yesterday, in a tribute to an extraordinary 15-year journey marked by unwavering dedication, the INL team organised a unique farewell celebration for its esteemed Deputy Director General, Prof. Dr. Paulo Jorge Peixeiro de Freitas. INL DDG, Prof. Dr. Paulo Freitas has been a driving force behind the success and growth of our institution, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of colleagues, collaborators, and the entire community. His visionary leadership, commitment to excellence, and tireless efforts have elevated INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory to new heights. The ceremony commenced with warm reflections and memories from Prof. José Rivas and Prof. Lars Montelius – previous Directors-General, members of the INL council and members of the installation committee, and also team members lauding his transformative leadership, mentorship and the positive impact he had on both professional and personal development. In a surprise announcement, INL DG – Prof. Clivia Sotomayor-Torres, revealed that the institution had decided to rename the auditorium in honor of Prof. Dr. Paulo Freitas. Henceforth, it will be known as the “Auditorium Paulo Freitas.” This gesture serves as a lasting tribute to his remarkable legacy. Prof. Paulo Freitas got his Degree in Physics from the University Porto […]

Leaders of Braga public companies meet with INL for collaborative discussions

Executives representing five prominent public companies from Braga’s municipality gathered this past Monday, January 22nd 2024, for a pivotal meeting at INL. The visit was marked by a warm welcome from INL researchers and supporting professionals, with INL Director-General Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres hosting the delegation. The primary objectives of the meeting were outlined by Sandra Cerqueira, Executive Board Member of TUB – Transportes Urbanos de Braga, who expressed gratitude to the INL Director-General for the hospitality and extended greetings on behalf of the attending members. The delegation, composed also by representatives Rui Morais and Paula Campos from Agere, Carlos Videira from BragaHabit, Gil Carvalho and Carlos Silva from InvestBraga, Joana Meneses Fernandes from Theatro Circo, and Teotónio Andrade dos Santos from TUB, highlighted the purpose of their visit as a dual-fold initiative: to establish a first meeting of introduction with the recently appointed INL Director-General and to conduct a comprehensive review of past collaborations while exploring possibilities for future engagements. The meeting, deemed essential for fostering strong partnerships between the public companies and INL, marked a significant step in aligning visions and strategies. Sotomayor Torres welcomed the collaborative spirit, emphasising the importance of sustained partnerships and open communication. The […]

INL Open Day 2024

Join us at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga – Portugal, on May 18, 2024. Experience firsthand the boundless possibilities within an environment where greatness is fostered. Meet our researchers and immerse yourself in our unique facilities, ecosystem, and community. We see this as an opportunity to reinforce our dedication to enhancing the communities we serve. Thank you for joining us on this exceptional and enriching day as we delve into the realm of science together! Click here for more information.

Infoday: Chips Joint Undertaking 2024 Calls

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Innovation Agency (ANI) are teaming up to host an informative session on March 4th at the INL auditorium. This session will be dedicated to the 2024 Calls of the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU), which includes both “Initiative” and “non-initiative” components and the participation of the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education, the Executive of Chips JU, and other speakers who will be announced soon. You can register for the event by clicking here and check the agenda for more details.

Exploring nanotechnology for the health of intestinal microbiota

Researchers at INL are using nanotechnology to develop functional foods that can be consumed by people with food intolerances and allergies. Ana Isabel Bourbon, from the Food Processing and Nutrition research group, explains: “Our society is increasingly changing its eating habits and this has several effects on the intestinal microflora. When eating daily, people are subjected to increasing amounts of different compounds. This promotes microbial changes over the years, which causes diseases that previously did not exist, such as intolerances and allergies, to appear. Trying to understand how we can reduce these intolerances in the future is one of our group’s objectives”. In this context, INL researchers are creating foods with added nutritional value using nanotechnology. The team develops nanostructures enabling the encapsulation and incorporation of active compounds, such as vitamins and antioxidants. The goal is to ensure that, after ingestion, these compounds reach the bloodstream in sufficient quantities to have a positive impact on the consumer. However, obtaining information about the behaviour of these nanostructures during digestion and their effects on intestinal health poses a challenge. The Healthy-Gut project aims to address this gap by evaluating the behaviour of encapsulated systems using in vitro cell models. These models mimic […]