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Driving Innovation Together: The Johns Hopkins-INL 2025 Consulting Experience

The long-standing collaboration between Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and INL has entered its ninth year, continuing to inspire and drive innovation. As part of the immersive, project-based course on the Practice of Consulting, graduate students from JHU’s Engineering Management programme visited INL last week. Their visit culminated in a presentation of their work on January 14th, marking another chapter in this enriching partnership. This collaboration is far from ordinary. For one intensive week, the students lived at the INL Guesthouse, diving headfirst into the world of nanotechnology and its transformative potential. Their task: to work closely with INL’s research groups and provide strategic insights into commercialising cutting-edge projects. The result? Detailed reports and leads that bridge the gap between scientific research and market opportunities, showcasing how technological breakthroughs can be transformed into impactful innovations. Guiding the students through this challenging process was Andy Ross, Senior Lecturer and Associate Director of the Professional Communication Program at JHU. His mentorship ensured the students approached their work with a blend of analytical rigour and creativity, resulting in actionable business strategies for INL’s researchers. Ana Vila was the organiser for this year’s JHU collaboration at INL. She makes emphasis on the value of this […]

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 […]

How microalgae could transform the way we produce photonics

Photonic crystals, essential for controlling and manipulating light, are key components in advanced technologies such as lasers and sensors. However, their production is typically expensive, requiring sophisticated cleanroom facilities. Researchers at INL are exploring innovative alternatives by leveraging structures naturally produced by microalgae. Pedro Braga Fernandes, a PhD candidate at INL, explains “Our group works on photonic structures, and we try to draw inspiration from nature for that. I work with microalgae called diatoms. These diatoms produce a silica exoskeleton with an organisation resembling a photonic crystal, similar to those we create in the cleanroom.” This natural resemblance of diatoms with photonic crystals could bring a new solution for more sustainable production methods. Unlike traditional fabrication methods, the use of diatoms eliminates the need for costly cleanroom environments, reducing both financial and environmental impacts. Pedro Braga Fernandes highlighted the nano-patterned silica potential applications, “This enables easy integration of the structures produced by the algae into essential technologies, ranging from biosensors to quantum systems”. This unique approach not only has the potential to reduce production costs but also offers a sustainable alternative for developing photonic technologies. By using natural processes, researchers at INL aim to unlock new possibilities across a wide […]

2024 Yearly Wrap-up: Research

As we reflect on the scientific achievements of 2024, we are proud to present the latest research spotlights that showcase the diversity, innovation, and societal impact of INL’s research. From addressing global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance and Parkinson’s disease to advancing quantum technology, sustainable solutions, and AI energy efficiency, this compilation highlights the exceptional work of our researchers and collaborators. These research updates represent just a fraction of our accomplishments this year but capture the essence of our commitment to advancing science for a better world. Join us in celebrating these remarkable milestones! Phages – A dual solution to the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Crisis – Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most pressing global health threats of our time, directly causing and contributing to millions of deaths worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nanoscale analysis with DNA-graphene origami – In a recently published study in Advanced Materials Interfaces, INL researchers have developed a new sensor that merges DNA origami with graphene to achieve unique accuracy in detecting molecular motion. Nieder’s group at INL, together with Alpuim’s group (INL) and Thorsten-Lars Schmidt (Kent State University), developed this innovative sensor that could have significant potential for applications in medicine and environmental monitoring. Nanodiamonds bring […]

2024 Yearly Wrap-up: Events

As 2024 comes to a close, INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory reflects on a year of remarkable milestones, innovative achievements, and global collaborations. Hosting over 8,000 visitors and welcoming more than 5,500 participants across various events, INL reaffirmed its global leadership in fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships. Kicking off 2024 with Leadership and Creativity The year began with a dual celebration: a heartfelt farewell to Deputy Director General Prof. Dr. Paulo Freitas, whose visionary leadership elevated INL’s global standing, and the captivating Nano Circus: The Amazing Experience of Arts & Science. This unique event brought together the worlds of art and nanotechnology, blending creative expression with scientific discovery to inspire audiences of all ages. Spring: Breaking New Ground in Science Spring 2024 saw INL hosting several groundbreaking events that advanced the frontiers of science and technology. The Neuromorphic Computing Event on May 15 brought together leading researchers to explore advancements in mimicking the brain’s architecture and functions, paving the way for revolutionary computing technologies. The CHIPS-JU 2024 Info Session, also held in May, empowered researchers and industry professionals with critical insights into European Union funding opportunities for the semiconductor field. By helping stakeholders navigate the funding landscape, INL […]

Empowering Future Scientists: Highlights from INL’s 1st ESRA Symposium

In 2024, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory buzzed with energy as it hosted the inaugural ESRA Symposium, organised by the Early-Stage Researchers Association (ESRA). This groundbreaking event welcomed over 160 participants, including master’s students, PhD candidates, junior researchers, and early-career scientists, offering a vibrant platform to connect, share, and celebrate their innovative research conducted at INL. The symposium began with a warm welcome from INL’s Director General, Professor Clivia Sotomayor, who underscored the value of collaboration among emerging researchers. Setting an inspiring tone, Professor Ado Jório, INL’s Deputy Director General, delivered the keynote address, “Seeing the Future.” Prof. Ado provided practical insights on transforming ideas into innovations, emphasising their potential to tackle global challenges. Participants showcased their research through engaging Oral Communications and Poster presentations, with discussions brimming with innovation and collaboration. Day two featured a compelling keynote presentation by Doctor Catarina Moura, INL’s Science Communication Officer. Her talk, “Bringing Science to Life,” highlighted the critical role of science communication in making research accessible to wider audiences and strategies to deepen public engagement with scientific discoveries. The symposium celebrated the outstanding contributions of its participants, presenting 15 Oral Communications and over 50 posters that stimulated lively exchanges and sparked new ideas. […]

Phages – A dual solution to the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Crisis

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most pressing global health threats of our time, directly causing and contributing to millions of deaths worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Beyond the human toll, the economic impact is staggering. By 2050, AMR could add $1 trillion in healthcare costs annually and slash global gross domestic product (GDP) by up to $3.4 trillion per year by 2030. But amidst these daunting figures, a beacon of hope has appeared – bacteriophages (phages). In an era where AMR poses one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine, phages, viruses that specifically target bacteria, represent a revolutionary alternative to traditional antibiotics. A recent milestone in this field has been Portugal’s approval of customised bacteriophage therapies in hospital settings, setting Portugal to be only the third European country, alongside Belgium and France, to approve until now a guiding regulation for these new therapies (INFARMED, I.P. deliberation No. 112/CD/2024, November 15, 2024) for complex bacterial infections. This decision aligns closely with INL’s cutting-edge research on phages. Dr. Sanna Sillankorva, a tenured staff researcher from the Bañobre Research Group at INL has been instrumental in this progress. Her work focuses on isolating and […]

FORGING Workshop Series: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future in Brussels

This week, Brussels became the epicenter of innovation and collaboration as FORGING hosted its highly anticipated three-day workshop series. The event gathered over stakeholders from academia, industry, policymaking, and civil society, all united by a shared mission to advance enabling technologies for a sustainable future. FORGING reimagines traditional innovation by focusing on human-centered technologies aligned with Industry 5.0 principles. It moves beyond efficiency and productivity, emphasizing technology’s positive societal impact. By leveraging 6 Technological Pathways, FORGING identifies use cases to accelerate the adoption of responsible and sustainable solutions. The workshops explored transformative topics critical to shaping the future of Industry 5.0, including: Real-Time Based Digital Twins; Simulation Technologies; and Human-Machine Interaction Technologies. A standout moment was the expert pitch by Ensieh Iranmehr, INL Staff Researcher, who presented on “Non-Invasive Tool Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Using High-Sensitive Spintronic Sensors.” Her presentation highlighted how cutting-edge sensing technologies are driving industrial innovation and sustainability. Co-organized with APRE – Agenzia per la Promozione della Ricerca Europea, the workshops offered a unique platform for participants to co-design use cases for emerging technologies. From exploring the potential of haptic technologies and e-skin sensors to leveraging predictive maintenance and cognitive digital twins, the sessions emphasized actionable solutions and cross-sector collaboration. As a hub of European collaboration, Brussels offered the ideal setting for the workshops, reinforcing the project’s mission to bridge the […]

FRONTHS1P Project General Assembly Inspires Progress

On December 5th and 6th, the FRONTHS1P General Assembly convened in the vibrant city of Bolzano, hosted by the University of Bozen-Bolzano at the NOI Techpark Alto Adige. This pivotal event brought together all Work Package leaders to review the project’s progress, share updates, and plan the next steps for achieving its ambitious goals. A standout feature of the gathering was the visit to the University laboratories, where attendees had the opportunity to witness groundbreaking advancements, including the combustion chamber and gasifier testing. These demonstrations highlighted the innovative work driving FRONTHS1P’s mission forward, showcasing the potential of sustainable solutions in action. FRONTHS1P is a transformative initiative based in the Łódzkie region of Poland, a region with a unique dual identity: historically reliant on coal extraction but also a trailblazer in circular (bio)economy since the early 2000s. Over the next four years, the project aims to lead the Łódzkie region through a green and just transition, moving away from a linear economic model toward one rooted in sustainability. Central to this vision are four Circular Systemic Solutions (CSS), each targeting critical sectors: Wood Packaging; Food & Feed; Water & Nutrients; and Plastic & Rubber Waste. These CSS are designed for decarbonization […]