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INL and Universidade Franciscana Strengthen Collaboration in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology

INL and Universidade Franciscana Strengthen Collaboration in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) has reinforced its scientific ties with Brazil through a newly formalised cooperation agreement with Universidade Franciscana (UFN). This partnership, established in 2024, fosters the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge in the fields of nanosciences and nanotechnology, further strengthening INL’s longstanding engagement with Brazilian research institutions. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to facilitate academic mobility, joint research projects, and knowledge transfer. The agreement has already yielded significant developments, including the approval of an international cooperation project funded by Brazil’s National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). Titled “Nano-strategies for Environmental Remediation: Modelling, Simulation, Synthesis, and Toxicological Evaluation of Nanomaterials“, the project brings together an international consortium of institutions, including UFN, the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), the University of Porto (Portugal), Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (Germany), and Jammu University (India), alongside INL. INL researchers are actively engaged in this initiative, providing expertise in nanomaterials synthesis and characterisation, as well as advanced modelling techniques. The collaboration has also facilitated researcher mobility between UFN and INL. Notably, INL research group leader Prof. Dr. Pedro Alpuim visited UFN in August 2024 to participate in the XI Workshop in […]

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Can Earth’s gravitational field monitor climate change?

Can Earth’s gravitational field monitor climate change?

The measurement of our planet’s gravitational field, known as gravimetry, allows us to extrapolate the rate at which climate changes are occurring by detecting small variations in Earth’s gravitational field, caused, for example, by melting ice. Inês Sofia Garcia, a Research Engineer at INL, is focused on the development of a high-precision MEMS (micro electromechanical system) accelerometer, crucial for detecting the gravity field shifts of our planet. This accelerometer is a system capable of converting a mechanical phenomenon into an electrical one, and vice versa, transforming an electrical signal into a mechanical displacement. “Our group is creating a MEMS accelerometer to measure Earth’s acceleration changes,” explains Inês Garcia. “We handle the system’s modelling, design, fabrication, and characterisation.” With rigorous demands for stability, power management, and satellite orientation accuracy, this research work strengthens Portugal’s position in the global space sector. The team developed the device as part of the uPGRADE project, and at INL, we are already looking ahead to its next phase: uPGRADE-NEXT. In this new project, the device will undergo space qualification and is set to be included in the first uPGRADE microsatellite launch, planned for mid-2026. These flagship projects, led by Rosana Dias and Filipe Alves, will also […]

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

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 […]

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INL Welcomes Princeton Alumni for Research Visit

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 […]

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

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

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

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 […]

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INL Joins the Global Celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025)

INL Joins the Global Celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025)

The year 2025 marks a century since the foundational principles of quantum theory were first formulated, shaping the modern scientific and technological landscape. Recognizing this milestone, the United Nations General Assembly has officially proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025). This global initiative will showcase the vast potential of quantum science and its transformative impact on society in the 21st century. A wide array of scientific and technological organizations are participating in this historic celebration, and INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – is proud to be one of them. INL is fully committed to the communication and outreach efforts of IYQ2025, ensuring broad dissemination of its significance and impact. Portugal’s Role in IYQ2025 In INL’s host country, Portugal, the Portuguese Physical Society has established a national committee dedicated to planning and promoting activities aligned with IYQ2025. As a key supporter, INL has launched a dedicated website to share information on various events, including talks, conferences, and other initiatives throughout the year. A Global Celebration IYQ2025 will officially commence with an opening ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on February 4-5, 2025. This high-profile event will set the stage for a year filled with […]

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INL advances skin engineering with the European network NETSKINMODELS

INL advances skin engineering with the European network NETSKINMODELS

Advances in skin engineering research are being made at the INL as part of the NETSKINMODELS COST Action. This European network is dedicated to advancing skin engineering and modelling by developing improved cell-based and computational skin models, with the goal of reducing reliance on animal testing. Ana Ribeiro, staff researcher at INL, highlights the contributions of Alfaro-Moreno’s research group: “At INL, we are developing skin-on-chip models, which are advanced microfluidic devices designed to replicate the structure and function of human skin. These models have the potential to transform research by providing more reliable and human-relevant data while supporting the 3Rs principle: reducing, refining, and replacing animal testing.” Samantha Costa, one of the next-generation researchers benefiting from the NETSKINMODELS educational initiatives, has joined INL for her PhD research. Samantha’s work takes a further step towards the practical applications of these models, from testing cosmetics and nanoparticle safety to skin microbiome interactions. By focusing on sustainable and ethical research practices, Samantha concludes that “INL’s innovations aim to benefit science, industry, and society.” “This work not only advances dermatological research but also helps prepare the next generation of scientists,” adds Ana Ribeiro. “Through initiatives like NETSKINMODELS, we are ensuring that Europe remains at […]

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INL Joins the EuroQCS-Spain Consortium to Advance European Quantum Computing

INL Joins the EuroQCS-Spain Consortium to Advance European Quantum Computing

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to announce its participation in the EuroQCS-Spain consortium, a pivotal initiative in integrating quantum computing into the European High Performance Computing (HPC) ecosystem. The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has officially signed the procurement contract for the EuroHPC quantum computer MareNostrum-Ona, which will be hosted at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center – Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS). This milestone marks a significant step toward enhancing Europe’s quantum computing capabilities. A Quantum Leap for European Supercomputing Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems that are intractable for classical computers, with applications ranging from material simulations to optimization problems and enhanced data security. While current quantum computing systems are still in the early stages, integrating them with well-established HPC infrastructures is crucial for their future impact. The MareNostrum-Ona quantum computer will be Europe’s first quantum annealer, providing researchers, industries, and the public sector access to cutting-edge quantum technologies. The first-generation system will offer at least 10 physical qubits, with further developments planned to enhance both coherence times and qubit numbers. INL’s Contribution to European Quantum Infrastructure As part of the EuroQCS-Spain consortium, INL willcontribute to integrating quantum and classical computingsystems. INL researchers in the groups led by Ernesto Galvão and Joaquín Rossier […]

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