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COVID-19 EVENTS FUNDED PROJECTS GENERAL INL PICKS INL STATEMENTS INNOVATION MOST POPULAR PEOPLE RESEARCH SCALE EXPERIENCES SCALE TRAVELS SEMICONDUCTORS SINFONIA PROJECT SPOTLIGHT WOMEN IN SCIENCE WOMEN IN STEM

INL’s Women in Science Shine at PQHack 2025

INL proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of three of its researchers, Alexandra Ramôa, Ana Neri, and Sara Franco, members of the Galvão Research Group who, along with Bruna Salgado from the University of Minho, secured second place at PQHack 2025 as Team Quantum Shemulation. Their outstanding performance in tackling quantum computing challenges earned them the prestigious Team Quantum Shemulation prize on International Day of Women and Girls in Science. PQHack 2025 proved to be an exciting competition, bringing together 39 participants across 12 teams for a 24-hour quantum computing hackathon. Fueled by determination (and plenty of coffee and pizza), the teams engaged in a series of complex coding challenges designed by experts in the field. The results showcased the incredible talent and innovation within the quantum community. This achievement is not only a testament to the expertise and dedication of our INLers but also an inspiration for greater representation of women in quantum science. As we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we recognize their hard work and contributions in shaping the future of quantum technologies. Congratulations to all the participants, and especially to Alexandra, Ana, and Sara for making INL proud! Photo kindly provided by PQHack 2025 Team

Call for Abstracts: InSituTEM 2025 – Shaping the Future of In Situ Electron Microscopy

The 5th International Workshop of In Situ Electron Microscopy (InSituTEM 2025) is set to take place from May 13–15, 2025, in Braga, Portugal, bringing together leading experts and researchers to explore cutting-edge advancements in real-time electron microscopy. This prestigious event will showcase the latest developments in transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), electron spectroscopy, and AI-driven imaging techniques. Attendees will engage in insightful discussions on the role of in situ electron microscopy in understanding dynamic phenomena at the atomic scale, with applications across materials science, chemistry, physics, and life sciences. Call for Abstracts – Shape the Future of Electron Microscopy Researchers are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations, presenting novel insights and discoveries in in situ electron microscopy. 📅 Submission Deadline: March 31, 2025📝 Abstract Limit: 2,500 characters (including spaces)📍 Poster Format: A0 (Width: 841 mm x Height: 1189 mm)🔗 Submit your abstract now: www.insitutem2025.com Bringing Together a World-Class Scientific Community InSituTEM 2025 will feature keynote presentations by renowned experts in electron microscopy, including leading researchers from institutions such as Stanford University, University of California, Peking University, the University of Tokyo, Max Planck Institute, and more. The event will foster collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions, providing a platform for scientists to exchange knowledge, share breakthroughs, and discuss the future of advanced […]

INL Welcomes Princeton Alumni for Research Visit

The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) welcomed a group of Princeton University alumni residing in Portugal for an exclusive visit to its research facilities. Organized by Princeton Alumni in Portugal and co-sponsored by the Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni (APGA), the visit offered attendees a first-hand look at INL’s cutting-edge Research Core Facilities and laboratories. Throughout the visit, alumni engaged with leading INL researchers across multiple scientific disciplines, including nanofabrication, advanced materials, quantum technologies, and biomedical imaging. They explored INL’s Micro and Nanofabrication Facility (MNF), followed by discussions with expert research groups led by Pedro Salomé (solar energy materials), Pedro Alpuim (2D materials and flexible electronics), Ernesto Galvão (quantum computing), and Paulo Ferreira (nanostructured materials for engineering applications). The group also learned about INL’s Nanobiotechnology and Imaging (NBI) capabilities and engaged with researchers such as Jana Nieder and Sara Abalde, who are advancing biomedical imaging and diagnostics. This visit reinforced INL’s commitment to international collaboration and knowledge exchange, showcasing the value of fostering global scientific connections. As INL continues to expand its outreach and collaboration efforts, we welcome academic institutions, research groups, and industry partners to explore our facilities and engage with our world-class scientists. To learn more about our research and how to collaborate with INL, visit INL Research Core Facilities or contact us […]

INL to Host Seminar on Circular Economy in the Agri-Food Sector

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, in collaboration with PortugalFoods and CCDR-Norte, will host the seminar “Circular Economy in the Agri-Food Sector in the Northern Region of Portgual: Challenges in Valorisation for Human and Animal Consumption” on February 27, at INL in Braga. Organised within the framework of the European project FRONTSH1P, this event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and experts to discuss innovative strategies for waste valorisation in the agri-food sector. Key discussion points will include: The seminar will also feature case studies on technological innovation, highlighting successful collaborations in the sector, as well as a roundtable discussion addressing the main challenges and opportunities in by-product valorisation. This initiative provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration between stakeholders committed to advancing circular economy solutions in the agri-food industry. Registration is free but mandatory by February 25.The event will be conducted in Portuguese. REGISTER

Maria Relvas Awarded LPCC-NRN Research Grant to Advance Cancer Diagnostics

Maria Relvas, a PhD student and Associate at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in the Diéguez Research Group, supervised by Sara Abalde-Cela, has been awarded a Research Initiation Grant by the Portuguese Cancer League – North Branch (LPCC-NRN) to advance cancer diagnosis. The project builds upon findings from SENTINEL and 3DSecret, two prior research initiatives that have contributed to the development of novel diagnostic technologies. Her innovative project applies a novel nanosensor for the classification and prediction of cancer patterns, aiming to improve early detection and patient outcomes. As part of the funded project, Maria is leveraging the ex-vivo potential of this nanosensor to analyze two distinct cohorts of plasma samples from prostate and breast cancer patients from Hospital de Braga and CCA-Braga. The research seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of this nanosensor in cancer monitoring while also exploring its potential to predict cancer outcomes by integrating clinical data from patients. This study aligns with the broader mission of advancing oncology through technology-driven solutions, particularly in developing personalized medicine approaches. By combining nanosensing capabilities with patient-specific data, the project has the potential to contribute significantly to more precise and effective cancer diagnostics and treatment strategies. The recognition of Maria Relvas’ research highlights INL’s commitment to pioneering nanotechnology solutions for healthcare, reinforcing the importance of early […]

INL Launches the 2025 Photo Contest: Capturing Science Through Creativity

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Photo Contest, inviting photography enthusiasts, researchers, and creatives from across Europe to capture the beauty of science through the lens of creativity. As part of European Researchers’ Night 2025, this contest aims to celebrate the intersection of science and visual storytelling, encouraging participants to explore and document the wonders of scientific discovery, technological innovation, and the unseen world of nanotechnology. A Celebration of Science through Photography The 2025 Photo Contest is open to participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, researchers, artists, and science communicators. Whether using a professional camera or a smartphone, contestants are encouraged to creatively interpret the contest’s theme and submit images that highlight the role of science in shaping our future. The world of science is filled with breathtaking moments that often go unnoticed. Through this contest, we aim to bring those moments to life, fostering a deeper connection between the public and the scientific community. How to Participate? The competition is open from January 31, 2025 to March 31, 2025, and submissions can be made via the official website: www.scaleexperiences.inl.int/photocontest2025. Participants can submit original photographs that capture the essence of science, technology, and innovation. A panel of experts in science, photography, […]

INL Partners with Startup Braga and 2CA-Braga to Launch the Global Health Accelerator

A new initiative to foster innovation in health, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), in collaboration with Startup Braga and the Clinical Academic Center of Braga (2CA-Braga), has announced the launch of the Global Health Accelerator, a programme designed to support early to mid-stage startups developing innovative solutions in health, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. This initiative aims to accelerate groundbreaking projects by providing startups with direct access to industry leaders, expert mentorship, and tailored entrepreneurship training. A Strategic Platform for Innnovation: The Global Health Accelerator offers participating startups the opportunity to: develop pilot projects and proof-of-concepts (POCs) in collaboration with key industry stakeholders; engage in intensive bootcamps focused on entrepreneurship, business development, and market strategy; and receive mentorship from experienced professionals in the health, biotechnology, and nanotechnology sectors. Applications open until 28 February Startups looking to scale their innovations and bring transformative solutions to the market are encouraged to apply before 28 February. More information and application details are available at globalhealthaccelerator.com. The Global Health Accelerator is co-funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) under the NextGenerationEU programme, reinforcing a commitment to fostering cutting-edge innovation in Europe’s health and technology sectors.

INL recognised as ‘Key Innovator’ for paper-based packaging innovation

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) has been recognised as a “Key Innovator” by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar for its transformative paper-based packaging innovation. Developed as part of the FlexFunction2Sustain project under the Horizon 2020 framework, this cutting-edge solution offers improved water and oxygen barriers for fresh food packaging. The European Commission’s analysis categorised this innovation as “Business Ready”, signifying its readiness for market adoption. Moreover, the project addresses the needs of existing markets, emphasising its significant contribution to sustainable packaging solutions. Revolutionising Packaging with Sustainability in Mind In collaboration with project partner SONAE MC – SERVIÇOS PARTILHADOS, SA, INL’s innovation aims to revolutionise packaging for fresh foods by combining eco-friendly materials with enhanced performance capabilities. This breakthrough innovation helps industries reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring the quality and freshness of packaged food. The efforts at INL were coordinated by Pablo Fuciños from the Pastrana Research Group, whose expertise in sustainable innovation and project management was crucial in aligning the development process with the project’s goals. About FlexFunction2Sustain The FlexFunction2Sustain project focused on enabling the adoption of sustainable materials and processes in flexible and printed electronics, packaging, and medical industries. The outcomes of the project demonstrate the potential […]

INL researchers are exploring new ways to predict breast cancer metastasis

A research project called 3DSecret is exploring innovative methods to predict breast cancer metastasis by analysing tumour cells circulating in the bloodstream. 3DSecret focuses on understanding how these cells contribute to cancer spreading to distant organs, which is the primary cause of mortality in breast cancer patients. Breast cancer metastasis often occurs via the hematogenous route, i.e. through the bloodstream. The presence of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) provides an opportunity to study the disease through blood samples rather than invasive tissue biopsies. Using specialised devices, INL researchers can isolate these tumour cells from blood samples. The next step involves cultivating individual CTCs in an artificial culture system, in the lab, designed to mimic their natural environment. Data from these cultures are then analysed using artificial intelligence algorithms. By examining the genetic profiles of the tumour cells and the substances they secrete, the project aims to identify unknown drivers of breast cancer metastasis. Recently, the project technical coordinator, Miguel Xavier, was at ‘90 Segundos de Ciência’, a series of science communication episodes with daily broadcasts on the Portuguese public radio Antena 1. Miguel is confident about the broader implications of this project, “this research could provide insights into the relationship between […]