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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. […]

From Wildlife to Molecules and Science Communication, an interview with Bernardo Nogueira

Bernardo A. Nogueira is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Begona’s Group – Water Quality at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), contributing to the Blue Bioeconomy Pact project under the guidance of Dr. Begoña Espina and Dr. Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo. With a strong academic background, he holds degrees in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemistry, and an MSc in Advanced and Industrial Chemistry from the University of Coimbra. Bernardo completed his PhD in Chemistry in 2022, specializing in Molecular Spectroscopy, with part of his studies conducted at Politecnico di Milano under Prof. Chiara Castiglioni. He has published over 35 scientific articles and book chapters and actively engages in peer-reviewed journals as an editor and reviewer. In this interview, Bernardo reflects on his journey into science, the role of chemistry in addressing global challenges, his passion for science communication, and his aspirations for the future. What sparked your early interest in science, and how did it shape your path toward becoming a chemist and researcher? My interest in science began at a very young age. Initially, at around 4 or 5 years old, I was particularly captivated by ecology, with a special interest in the large animals of the jungle and the oceans. I would spend […]

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 […]

INL Hosts H2 Green Valley Agenda WP4 Meeting Focused on Hydrogen and Green Energy

On December 3rd, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) welcomed project teams from INL, Instituto Superior Técnico, and HyLab for a pivotal meeting under the H2 Green Valley Agenda’s Work Package 4 (WP4) – Transversal R&D. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts driving innovation in hydrogen and green energy technologies. During the event, participants explored INL’s state-of-the-art laboratories, gaining valuable insights into the research and development efforts focused on energy, particularly hydrogen and green energy solutions. The teams also engaged in a comprehensive exchange of knowledge, sharing their experiences and the outcomes of specific projects in the hydrogen sector. The day concluded with a focused working session addressing the ongoing tasks and objectives of work package within the context of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), ensuring alignment and progress toward the agenda’s overarching goals. This meeting underscored the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing green hydrogen technology. The H2 Green Valley Agenda continues to contribute to a sustainable energy future, with INL playing a central role in fostering innovation and partnership in this transformative sector.

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 […]

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. The sensor combines DNA origami structures and a graphene layer functionalised to interact with fluorescent markers. These markers emit light, and their fluorescence behaviour – specifically its duration – changes based on their proximity to the graphene. By applying electrical signals, researchers can control this distance, enabling them to track movements as small as two nanometres. “The novelty here is that we can actually gate the graphene and sense the effects of this electrostatic approach in the fluorescent behaviour of the fluorophores,” explains João Azevedo, first author of the study. The team used Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), a technique that measures the time fluorescence lasts, to achieve this high-resolution sensing. Unlike traditional fluorescence intensity methods, FLIM is less affected by photobleaching, a process where fluorescent markers lose their ability to emit light after prolonged exposure. By focusing on lifetime […]

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. […]