News

Roma Raj, integrating solar textiles into automotive design

Roma Raj, integrating solar textiles into automotive design

Our goal is to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of women at INL across a range of fields and career phases. Come join us as we commemorate their successes, tell their stories, and ignite inspiration for the next generation of female scientists. Meet Roma Raj, Research Fellow at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, working in the Nanochemistry Research Group, a group focused on the development of nanomaterials following the strategy CSI: Catalysis, Synthesis and Investigation. Roma, can you tell us a bit about your path and your main area of work? My career journey has been quite fascinating, moving from earning an M.Tech in Energy Engineering to obtaining a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep passion and expertise in sustainable energy solutions, particularly in blending innovative technologies with environmental awareness. Currently, I’m focused on an exciting project: seamlessly integrating solar textiles into automotive design. This ground-breaking effort has great potential to transform how we view transportation and its effects on our planet. What is the importance of your work, and your research? The work I’m involved in is tackling one of humanity’s biggest challenges: climate change. By leading the way in integrating solar textiles into automotive, we’re […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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Alexandra Teixeira, developing diagnostic tools tailored for accurate MRD diagnosis

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). […]

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What is it like to be a woman working in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields?

What is it like to be a woman working in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields?

In the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), the contributions of women have historically been undervalued and underrepresented. However, as the landscape of these fields continues to evolve, so too does the role of women within them. At INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and celebrated. To gain insight into the experiences of women working in STEAM fields at INL, we reached out to some of our esteemed female researchers. Their perspectives shed light on the challenges they’ve faced, the triumphs they’ve achieved, and the evolving dynamics within their respective disciplines. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to innovative engineering solutions, these women are driving progress and shaping the future of STEAM. Join us as we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11 February, implemented by UNESCO and UN-Women and delve into the stories, insights, and aspirations of the remarkable women researchers at INL, highlighting their invaluable contributions and inspiring journeys in the world of STEAM. So… what is it like to be a woman working in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields? Alexandra TeixeiraAssociate • Medical DevicesIt means facing […]

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Nano Circus: the amazing experience of arts & science

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 […]

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Wrapping Up 2023: People

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 […]

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Wrapping Up 2023: Research

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 […]

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Recent research reveals neuro-behavioural changes associated with exposure to diesel exhaust particles

Recent research reveals neuro-behavioural changes associated with exposure to diesel exhaust particles

Air pollution is known to increase the likelihood of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. However, the exact mechanism involved in this relationship remains poorly understood. Diesel exhaust particles stand out as a prominent air pollutant with proven human carcinogenic properties, posing significant health risks, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Nivedita Chatterjee, a researcher from the Nanosafety research group at INL, is studying how diesel exhaust particles affect neurodegeneration, i.e. the slow and progressive loss of neurons. The INL team found that exposure to diesel exhaust particles causes significant neuro-behavioural alterations. Ernesto Alfaro-Moreno, Nanofatey research group leader explains that “this research work was developed under the project iCare – one of the objectives of this EU-funded project is to develop an integrated model system that can characterise and predict the potential impact of nanomaterials on brain health, thereby preventing nanomaterials toxicity”. Nivedita adds “to establish these models, we use Caenorhabditis elegans, often referred to as C. elegans, which is a very small and transparent roundworm that has been extensively studied in the field of biology. The knowledge gained from these studies on C. elegans often has broader implications for understanding more complex organisms, including humans.” The […]

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