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

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 […]

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

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.

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Diana Alves’ Journey: Pioneering Superhydrophobic Coatings for Sustainability

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 […]

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Mission NERD Brings Science to Life at Eduardo Pondal

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. […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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INL Hosts Key Seminar on Critical Mineral Resources and Battery Value Chain

INL Hosts Key Seminar on Critical Mineral Resources and Battery Value Chain

On November 12, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory hosted a significant seminar titled “Critical Mineral Resources and the Battery Value Chain: Opportunities and Challenges for Portugal.” Organized by Battery Cluster Portugal and the Cluster Portugal Mineral Resources Association, the event attracted over 150 experts, industry representatives, and government officials. The gathering focused on Portugal’s strategic role in the battery sector and the vital mineral resources required for battery production, aiming to explore innovative strategies and address industry challenges. The session opened with remarks from Portugal’s Secretary of State for Energy, Professor Maria João Pereira, who emphasized the country’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. Dr. Joaquim Nunes de Almeida, Director of DG GROW at the European Commission, followed with an outline of the EU’s strategic guidelines for managing critical mineral resources, highlighting Europe’s efforts to secure these essential resources as the demand for batteries and renewable technologies grows. Throughout the day, panel discussions led by companies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders delved into topics such as technological innovation, sustainability, and the integration of advanced materials into the battery supply chain. Moderated by leading universities, these sessions provided insights into the opportunities and challenges Portugal faces in building a resilient, sustainable […]

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Sinfonia Project Concludes with a Resounding Success at the II ‘Total-Nanosafe’ International Conference in Braga

Sinfonia Project Concludes with a Resounding Success at the II ‘Total-Nanosafe’ International Conference in Braga

Braga recently hosted the closing event of the Sinfonia Project, where over 100 participants celebrated the successful culmination of a four-year journey dedicated to advancing nanosafety. The II ‘Total-Nanosafe’ International Conference served as the platform for this milestone, bringing together global experts to explore the intersection of nanotechnology, human health, and environmental impact. Pioneering Discussions in Nanosafety This year’s conference provided a comprehensive view of the latest nanosafety advancements, featuring discussions on nanotoxicology, organ-on-a-chip models, in vitro-in vivo bridging, in silico methods, and the environmental impact of nanomaterials. The event highlighted key trends shaping the future of nanosafety, underscoring a commitment to safe and sustainable nanotechnology development. Conference Highlights The conference opened with a welcome cocktail on November 6, followed by sessions on November 7 and 8. Professor Ulla Vogel from Denmark’s National Research Centre for the Working Environment delivered an impactful keynote on nanoparticle toxicology, focusing on occupational health risks related to nanoparticles, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and fertility impacts. Presentations from INL and other leading institutions covered diverse research topics, such as the effects of silver nanoparticles on lung-barrier function, skin-on-chip safety models, and the impacts of black carbon on aging. These studies highlighted the scope of nanosafety […]

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