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INL Becomes an Official Member of the Technology Council for Advanced Materials

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to announce its participation as an official member of the Technology Council for Advanced Materials, following its inaugural meeting on Friday, 15 November 2024. It is represented by its Director General, Prof. Dr. Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres. The Advanced Materials Initiative is a significant milestone towards a united effort by the European Union, Member States, industry, and research organization to strategically address the present and future industry needs for advanced materials in Europe. The Council’s mission is to position Europe as a global leader in advanced materials research, fast-track innovations to the Single Market, and drive industrial adoption. This aligns with the EU’s strategic priorities, including the Green Deal, sustainability, and enhanced industrial competitiveness. A Unified Vision for Advanced Materials Leadership As an official member, INL joins 52 high-level representatives, including 27 from Member States and 19 from academia, research and technology organisations, industry, and associations. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a robust and inclusive advanced materials ecosystem that integrates science and innovation with industrial applications. The meeting, co-chaired by Ms. Maria Cristina Russo (Director of DG RTD), Amaryllis Verhoeven (Acting Director of DG GROW), and László Lengyel (Vice President for […]

Diana Alves’ Journey: Pioneering Superhydrophobic Coatings for Sustainability

We are thrilled to have Diana Alves with us today. Diana joined the Kolen’ko’s Group at INL as a Research Fellow in February 2022, where her groundbreaking work focuses on developing paint functional additives based on nanomaterials with hydrophobic properties. Diana’s journey in science began with a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minho in 2011. Her international experiences include pivotal research stints at the University Medical Centre of Groningen and Innocore Pharmaceuticals in the Netherlands. She later pursued a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering, also at the University of Minho, focusing on functionalizing biomaterials to impart antimicrobial properties. During this time, she collaborated with the prestigious Messersmith Research Group at Northwestern University in the USA. Her postdoctoral and junior research years further showcased her versatility, as she delved into areas such as bacteriophage encapsulation for food safety and antimicrobial coatings for medical devices. Let’s dive into her inspiring journey and groundbreaking research! 1. Your career has taken you from Portugal to the Netherlands and the USA, working with institutions like Innocore Pharmaceuticals and Northwestern University. How have these international experiences shaped your approach to research and innovation?” Both international experiences – first in the Netherlands […]

Mission NERD Brings Science to Life at Eduardo Pondal

This week, the Eduardo Pondal School in Vigo became a hub of scientific discovery as it hosted Mission NERD (Nanotechnology Education and Research Demonstrations), an initiative led by the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL). A group of 80 enthusiastic children participated in this unique program, designed to bridge the gap between science and society while igniting creativity and curiosity in the next generation. Far from being just another science event, Mission NERD is a movement aimed at inspiring and reconnecting people from diverse backgrounds. The initiative uses hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities to decode nanotechnology, showcasing its impact on daily life. With a focus on inclusivity and curiosity, Mission NERD highlights the power of sharing knowledge to break down cultural barriers and celebrate individuality. The program’s name, “NERD,” reflects its mission to honor the uniqueness in everyone and promote the joy of learning. By intertwining science with creativity, Mission NERD encourages participants to explore, imagine, and discover in new ways. The event was led by dedicated INL scientists who volunteered their time and expertise. Their passion for making science accessible shone through as they engaged the 80 young participants, showing how science connects us all and contributes to a more inclusive society. […]

Denis Santos explores the critical role of sensors in ensuring safety and efficiency within the H2 Green Valley Agenda

At INL, innovation is at the core of our mission to address global challenges. Dr. Denis Santos, a Research Engineer in the Piteira Research Group since 2023, is advancing sensor technology with applications ranging from biomedical fields to energy systems. In this interview, Denis Santos explores the critical role of sensors in ensuring safety and efficiency within the H2 Green Valley Agenda, Portugal’s leading green hydrogen initiative. He discusses how working on large-scale projects shapes innovation, balancing cutting-edge research with market needs, and emphasizes the importance of public trust in the scalability of hydrogen systems. With experience at CERN, Denis Santos offers a unique perspective on transforming research into real-world applications through industry partnerships and technology transfer. His work highlights the power of collaboration in building a sustainable, safe energy future. Dive into this interview to learn how advanced sensor technologies are shaping the path toward a greener tomorrow. In what ways could your work in sensors contribute to monitoring safety and efficiency in the green hydrogen value chain for the H2 Green Valley Agenda? Hydrogen holds great promise in both the stationary and transportation energy sectors since no harmful emissions are produced during its combustion and it is generally considered […]

INL Hosts “Empowering Research Careers: HRS4R & CoARA in Focus”

Last Thursday, November 14th, 2024, INL brought together leading experts in research governance, HR strategy, and leadership for a day-long event entitled “Empowering Research Careers: HRS4R & CoARA in Focus”. The event provided an opportunity for participants to delve into the impact of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) and the European Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) on research careers, while fostering meaningful discussions about leadership and professional growth. The morning session opened with a warm welcome and a thought-provoking lineup of guest speakers: with Isabelle Halleux, Head of the Project Management Office at the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), highlighted the transformative impact of HRS4R on researchers and their careers; Barbora Wahlová, an HR Strategy Consultant, presented insights into employee assessment as a pathway to career advancement, sharing strategies for supporting researchers’ professional development; Miklós Gyorffi provided an overview of CoARA and its potential influence at INL, setting the stage for future engagements with this European initiative; and Bruno Béu, representing the Portuguese National Chapter of CoARA, offered a closer look at the national-level implementation and its relevance to INL. A roundtable discussion moderated by Lorena Diéguez followed, allowing speakers to answer specific questions about the […]

INL Congratulates Carlos Oliveira on His Appointment as President of Portugal’s National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) proudly congratulates Mr. Carlos Oliveira on his prestigious appointment as President of the National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation of Portugal. This role recognizes his remarkable contributions to scientific progress and his unwavering commitment to positioning science and technology as catalysts for Portugal’s economic growth. In his new capacity, Mr. Oliveira will lead the development of science and innovation policies that will shape the future of Portugal’s research and technological landscape. His wealth of experience and visionary approach promise to drive impactful collaboration between the scientific community and the economy, fostering innovative policies to advance the nation’s global competitiveness. INL cherishes its strong relationship with Mr. Oliveira, who previously served on the INL International Business Advisory Board. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in aligning INL’s mission with the broader goals of nanotechnology-driven innovation across the Iberian region, particularly in bridging the gap between science and industry for mutual progress. Reflecting on this significant appointment, Professor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos, INL Deputy Director-General, remarked: “having someone who embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship at the helm of the National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation is a testament to Portugal’s ambition. INL […]

Revolutionising Water Quality Monitoring: An Interview with Najib Ben Messaoud

We’re excited to introduce Dr. Najib Ben Messaoud, a Research Fellow in the Water Quality Research Group at INL. With a distinguished background in nanotechnology and sensing strategies, Najib’s work focuses on developing advanced methods for detecting water contaminants. His dedication to creating reliable tools for water monitoring spans health, environmental, and agricultural applications. In this interview, Najib shares insights into his journey, recent projects, and the impact of urbanization on water quality monitoring. Could you briefly describe your academic and professional background in water quality research? I hold a PhD in Engineering Physics with a specialization in nanotechnology sciences from the High School of Sciences and Technologies, Hammam Sousse, Tunisia. During my PhD, I focused on designing nanostructured electrodes and electrochemical (bio)sensors to detect carcinogenic substances in water. My journey in water quality research began about a decade ago during my master’s project, which involved detecting perchlorate in water. In 2019, I joined INL as a Research Associate, where I contributed to developing a portable system to quantify Aeromonas salmonicida in water. Since 2021, in my role as a Research Fellow, I have engaged in multiple projects related to water quality, including those focused on detecting nanomaterials, nitrite, and nitrate in […]

INL’s Commitment to Science Outreach: New Board Games Illuminate Nanosafety and Air Quality Awareness for Young Audiences

INL – The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory continues to champion science outreach and education by introducing two innovative board games: The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials and Clean Air in School! Play & LEARN. These games, developed through INL’s projects—SiNfONiA, LEARN, and SbDToolbox—reflect INL’s enduring commitment to bridging the gap between complex scientific research and accessible learning for younger audiences and by it’s commitment to science outreach by illuminating nano safety and air quality awareness for young audiences. These games embody INL’s goal of making science both engaging and educational, fostering a new generation’s awareness of environmental safety, health, and nanotechnology’s impact on daily life. Through these immersive tools, INL emphasises that scientific understanding is not only the domain of researchers but also a vital area of knowledge for the broader community. “The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials“, Bringing Awareness of Materials’ Lifetime Supported solely by INL through the SiNfONiA and SbDToolbox projects, The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials board game provides players with a comprehensive understanding of nanomaterials’ journey from creation to potential environmental and health impacts. SiNfONiA, spearheaded by the Alfaro-Moreno Group, is dedicated to advancing research in nanosafety and enhancing INL’s capabilities in this field. In parallel, the SbDToolbox project addresses the critical need for […]

INL Director-General Participates in Catalonia Event on European Lab-to-Fab Transition

On October 25, 2024, Professor Clivia Sotomayor Torres, Director-General of INL, joined the event ‘Accelerating the Lab-to-Fab Transition of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies’, promoted by the Government of Catalonia, in Barcelona, Spain. Referring to the transfer of breakthrough innovations from research to production, ‘Lab-to-Fab’ initiatives are essential for scaling advanced manufacturing technologies, especially in the microelectronics field. Aligned with that purpose, the event convened leaders and experts in technology, research and innovation, focusing on the microelectronics industry. Aimed at advancing strategic collaborations, it provided a platform for promoting the Lab-to-Fab transition in semiconductor development. Collaboration took centre stage, fostering critical discussions among prominent European players in the semiconductor ecosystem. Part of a productive discussion on the importance of synergies, Professor Clivia participated in a round table on ‘Opportunities and Synergies in Diverse R&D Ecosystems’, moderated by Jose Antonio Garrido, Deputy Director-General of ICN2. The session included insights from Luis Fonseca, Director of the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (CSIC), Miquel Moretá, Associate Senior Researcher at the Barcelona Semiconductor Center, and Daniel Granados, Director of the Semiconductor Innovation Cluster of the Community of Madrid (CITT). Together, the panellists extolled the essential role of collaboration in advancing Lab-to-Fab transitions within the global semiconductor market. The involvement of INL represents a […]

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