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12th Congress of SciComPt Network Addresses Accessibility in Science Communication

12th Congress of SciComPt Network Addresses Accessibility in Science Communication

Yesterday, the halls of the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory echoed the vibrant discussions of scientists, communication professionals, and engaged citizens. The occasion? The highly anticipated 12th Congress of the SciComPt network, themed “Accessibility in Science Through Diverse Languages and Voices.” With a packed auditorium, the congress marked a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for inclusivity in the scientific arena. The event aimed to confront the urgent need for improved accessibility in science communication, recognizing that the responsibility of science extends far beyond the confines of laboratory walls. In today’s fast-paced society, merely granting access to scientific publications is insufficient in empowering citizens to fully engage with scientific knowledge. As science ventures into increasingly intricate and ethically nuanced territories, bridging the gap between scientific expertise and public comprehension becomes paramount. Against this backdrop, the congress emerged as a beacon of hope, shedding light on the pivotal role of science communication in nurturing a more inclusive scientific community. From fostering ongoing dialogues between scientists and society to addressing sensory limitations and diversifying communication channels, the congress explored a myriad of strategies to enhance accessibility in science. Tomorrow, May 10th, the congress enters its final day at the University of […]

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André Araújo, an Electronics Engineer among Physicists

André Araújo, an Electronics Engineer among Physicists

André is a Research Engineer working in the Spintronics Research group at INL, and his focus is to provide technical hands-on expertise on advanced embedded systems and techniques, delivering solutions to interface sensors developed by the group. André holds an MSc in Electrical and Electronical Engineering from Universidade do Minho, specialising in embedded systems and technology systems and information. What are you currently focusing on in your work? Spintronics is a research group that has at its core the creation and fabrication of nanodevices, these devices comprise magneto-resistive sensors, oscillators, memristors and so on. Besides these research lines, there was always the need and interest to take this technology to the real world, testing it in a wide range of fields, and having industrial applications as the major target. Within this context, the group developed internally a hardware solution to acquire data from magneto-resistive sensors and software to accompany it, to serve as a data logger, a real-time data visualizer and an interpreter of data, both in time and frequency domains. The data can be analyzed, processed with filters and can be fed to AI algorithms to detect events and patterns which are relevant to the end user.  The need to […]

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Natalia Spera, developing self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities

Natalia Spera, developing self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities

Natalia joined INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory as a Research Engineer in the Nanochemistry Research Group. She is currently working on synthesising, characterising, and applying sustainable coatings with self-healing solutions.  Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? I am currently working on the development of self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities and extend the longevity of offshore structures within the MAREWIND Project. My responsibilities encompass researching and developing core-shell nanofibers and microcapsules feasible for application in liquid coating formulations. Our solution entails having an autonomous healing response when the coating is damaged. Recently, we achieved a significant milestone by successfully scaling up our innovative self-healing materials for application in a 100-litre batch, marking a crucial step forward in transitioning laboratory technology to industry. Could you briefly describe what a typical day looks like for you, Natalia, and what aspects of your work and the INL organization excite you the most? Certainly! A typical day for me involves a dynamic mix of laboratory experiments, data analysis, and collaboration with colleagues. I usually begin with hands-on lab activities that occupy a significant portion of my day. Subsequent data analysis is also an exhilarating aspect, as […]

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12th SciComPt Congress in Braga

12th SciComPt Congress in Braga

In the pursuit of an inclusive scientific landscape, the 12th Congress of the SciComPt network will convene between May 8-10, 2024, in Braga, Portugal. Themed “Accessibility in Science Through Diverse Languages and Voices”, this landmark event aims to address the pressing need for enhanced accessibility in science communication. In today’s society, the responsibility of science extends beyond the laboratory walls. Merely providing access to scientific publications falls short of empowering citizens to fully engage with scientific knowledge. As science delves into increasingly complex and ethically nuanced realms, it becomes imperative to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding. Recognizing this imperative, the Congress will spotlight the critical role of science communication in fostering a more inclusive scientific community. From promoting ongoing dialogue between scientists and society to addressing sensory limitations and diversifying communication channels, Congress will delve into multifaceted strategies to enhance accessibility in science. The event will happen at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Centro Ciência Viva de Braga, and the University of Minho, and will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration and will share insights, best practices, and innovative approaches to science communication between researchers, policymakers, communication professionals, and engaged citizens. With a […]

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João Braga, working on the valorisation of mining by-products and used batteries

João Braga, working on the valorisation of mining by-products and used batteries

Meet João Braga. He joined the Nanochemistry research group at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory as a Research Engineer in January 2024 and is currently working on the Electrochemical investigation and valorization of lithium hydroxide and carbonate from mining. He holds a B.Sc. degree (2016) in Bioengineering from Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro and an M.Sc. degree (2020) in Biomedical Engineering from the same university. Could you provide some insights into your background and primary focus in your field of work? I have a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering and a master’s degree in biomedical engineering oriented towards biomaterials. My master’s thesis consisted of using electrochemical techniques to implement room-temperature prepared gold nanoparticles as enhancing agents in an aptasensor. These particles showed a very promising behaviour in oxygen a hydrogen peroxide reduction, which could be an added value to optimize mining techniques. I joined the INL Nanochemistry group aiming towards the valorisation of mining by-products and used batteries through the recovery of metals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which have been gaining market value due to the growing battery industry, to effectively reintroduce these materials in the chain of value and thus minimize the environmental footprint of their […]

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INL hosts the 3-Minute Thesis competition, showcasing Doctoral Research talent

INL hosts the 3-Minute Thesis competition, showcasing Doctoral Research talent

Last week, INL organised its highly anticipated Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, providing an exciting showcase of doctoral research excellence. The 3MT is an initiative that celebrates the exciting research conducted by INL PhD candidates. The 3MT aims to develop early stage researchers’ presentation and research communication skills. It provides support for PhD candidates to effectively explain their research and its significance in just three minutes, using language suitable for a non-specialist audience. Embracing the challenge of condensing months/years of rigorous study into a mere three minutes, 24 PhD candidates from diverse research areas at INL stepped up to the INL auditorium, aiming to captivate the audience of 100+ attendees. The three rounds were held on March 26th, 27th, and 28th. After intense deliberation, the top five candidates were nominated, with their presentations showcasing both academic rigor and compelling storytelling. Alexandra Alves, PhD candidate in the Quantum and Linear-Optical Computation group, highlighted the significance of accessible science communication, stating, “As PhD students we often present our work to expert audiences, but more approachable science communication is lacking. So it was both challenging and fun to try to condense my research topic into 3 minutes and for a diverse crowd.” For […]

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INL Opens its doors to the public for a day of scientific exploration – #INLOPENDAY2024

INL Opens its doors to the public for a day of scientific exploration – #INLOPENDAY2024

INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory invites you to a day of discovery and exploration on May 18, 2024, in Braga, Portugal. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the cutting-edge research and innovation happening within our renowned institution. Visitors will have the chance to meet our esteemed researchers and delve into the fascinating world of nanotechnology. Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, interact with our scientists, and learn about the groundbreaking projects shaping the future of science and technology. At INL, we believe in the power of collaboration and community. This event not only showcases our commitment to excellence in research but also serves as a platform to strengthen our ties with the communities we serve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who join us on this exceptional day of scientific discovery. Together, let us embark on a journey into the realm of science, where possibilities are boundless and innovation knows no bounds. For more information and to register for this event, please click here. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an enriching and inspiring experience at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. We look forward to welcoming you!

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Sadaf Almas, effective audit facilitation and continuous improvement initiatives

Sadaf Almas, effective audit facilitation and continuous improvement initiatives

We aim to shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of women at INL spanning different fields and career stages. Join us as we honour their accomplishments, share their stories, and ignite inspiration for the upcoming generation of female scientists. Meet Sadaf Almas. She works as a Quality systems Assistant in the Quality and Coordination unit at INL and she coordinates and inspects the core departments at INL to ensure the quality management systems consistency in terms of quality, validity, and reliability with study bases, facility-based and process-based approaches. Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? In my role within the Quality department, I play a crucial role in ensuring adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, particularly in the context of Nanosafety laboratories. My primary responsibility revolves around facilitating GLP audits, employing principles established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). First and foremost, I work closely with Nanosafety to develop comprehensive audit schedules aligned with OECD guidelines. This involves collaborating with INLers to ensure that all pertinent aspects of GLP are covered, from facility infrastructure to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data management protocols. Before conducting audits, I review existing documentation […]

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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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