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FoQaCiA Workshop 2025: Advancing the Frontiers of Quantum Computational Advantage

INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal, will host the second FoQaCiA’s Workshop on the Foundations of Quantum Computational Advantage from June 2–6, 2025. Organized by the FoQaCiA project, a collaborative research initiative spanning Europe and Canada, this event will bring together leading experts to explore the evolving boundaries of quantum and classical computational power. Building on the success of its first edition at the Perimeter Institute in Canada, the 2025 workshop will offer a dynamic program featuring: List of Tutorial Speakers (June 2-3) Key Dates to Remember Registration Fees The FoQaCiA Workshop 2025 provides a unique opportunity for researchers, students, and professionals to deepen their understanding of quantum computational advantage and contribute to the advancement of this cutting-edge field. For more information regarding the even and abstract submission and to register, visit FoQacia’s website.

INL Team Inspires at AltoMinho Science Fest

On Friday, March 21, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Team brought their Scale Experiences Initiatives to the AltoMinho Science Fest. Visitors had the unique opportunity to meet the INL team, learn more about the laboratory, and immerse themselves in the world of science. Our team was represented by Mariam Debs, Head of Corporate Communication, Conferences, and Marketing, and Pedro Santos Sousa, Research Assistant of the Sadewasser Research Group. This first edition of the festival celebrated scientific culture in a unique event promoted by the Municipality of Arcos de Valdevez and the Centro Ciência Viva dos Arcos, with the support of CIM ALTOMINHO, the National Science Agency Ciência Viva, and CENFIFE. It was a true tribute to knowledge, curiosity, and creativity, bringing to the center of the debate some themes that mark the current agenda: artificial intelligence, space and astronomy, and technological trends that shape the future. Over three days, the Centro Ciência Viva dos Arcos transformed into a meeting point for scientists and researchers from various fields of Science, presented in an accessible and engaging way through Workshops, Lectures, Roundtables, Science Shows, Planetarium sessions, exhibitions, and a Science and Technology showcase. The event promoted dialogue between science, innovation, and society, […]

INL’s 3MT competition is back: showcasing PhD research in just 3 minutes

On March 12, INL hosted the second edition of its Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, bringing together eight PhD candidates eager to share their research in an engaging and accessible format. With a fantastic round of presentations, the challenge was intense: simplify complex research into a compelling three-minute talk for a non-specialist audience. The competition highlighted INL’s commitment to fostering strong science communication skills among early-stage researchers. Participants took the stage to captivate the audience and jury, demonstrating not only their expertise but also their ability to make cutting-edge science approachable and impactful. After an exciting session, three outstanding presentations stood out. Leonor Ribeiro, a second-year PhD candidate in Nieder group, presented her work on a novel nanoparticle for combined photodynamic and immunotherapy of lung cancer. Leonor shared, “Summarising a PhD thesis in just three minutes is challenging but valuable to learn how to communicate your own research clearly and engagingly. I highly recommend it to any student feeling stuck in their work, as it can reignite their enthusiasm.” João Borlido, a second-year PhD candidate in iMiNa group, focused on the role of metasurfaces in high-performance CMOS image sensors for automotive applications. Looking back on the challenge of summarising his […]

INL group leader Begoña Espiña appointed as Water Europe Expert

On World Water Day 2025, INL proudly announces that Begoña Espiña, research group leader at INL, has been appointed as a member of the ZeroPollution & Health Expert Group of Water Europe. This recognition highlights Espiña’s exceptional contributions to water quality research, specifically in developing portable and automated devices for the selective detection and quantification of chemical and biological contaminants in water. Begoña Espiña has been at the forefront of research aimed at understanding the fate, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of nanomaterials in water, with a particular focus on implementing the safe-by-design concept. Since 2016, her work has played a crucial role in addressing global water challenges, making her appointment a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and expertise.Her new role within the ZeroPollution & Health Expert Group is a testament to the importance of INL’s ongoing commitment to advancing water quality and sustainability. Today, as we are celebrating World Water Day, we are reminded of the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding our most precious resource – water. Whether through scientific research, policy development, or community action, each of us plays a role in ensuring a sustainable and water-secure future for generations to come. We congratulate Begoña Espiña on this fantastic […]

Navigating Scientific Frontiers: An Interview with Rajashree Konar

In this insightful interview, Dr. Rajashree Konar, a Postdoctoral Researcher at INL, shares her experiences working in diverse international research environments and how they have shaped her scientific approach. She discusses her contributions to sustainable energy solutions, particularly through her work on nanocatalysts and lithium-ion batteries. Dr. Konar also offers valuable advice for researchers looking to patent their work and translate their research into real-world applications. Additionally, she candidly addresses the challenges she has faced as a woman in a highly technical field and the importance of female support networks in overcoming these obstacles. You have worked in multiple international research environments. How have these experiences shaped your scientific approach?In-depth research always demands consistent hard work. My experiences abroad have instilled in me a profound sense of persistence. Working in science and research can often feel like a slow march forward, demanding unwavering faith. But, through my multicultural journey, I have discovered that all scientists share an intense passion for growth, refusing to be confined by limitations. Each person, lab, culture, and university I’ve engaged with has taught me that collaboration is the key to truly understanding our work and harmonising our outlook. My exposure to a vibrant tapestry of […]

From Lab to Stage: INL Postgraduate School’s Grand Opening

The INL Postgraduate School (PGSchool) has officially opened its doors, marking an exciting new chapter in INL’s commitment to developing the next generation of researchers. Designed to equip PhD students with essential skills beyond the lab, the PGSchool offers specialised training to enhance their academic and professional growth, empowering them to excel in any career path they choose. The PGSchool started their 2025 programme with a Communication Course which brought together a first cohort of 15 PhD students for an immersive 30-hour journey into the art of communication. The course went beyond writing papers and giving presentations—it was about mastering the power of storytelling, engaging audiences, and even embracing the stage! The course was split into two complementary modules: 🎤 Module 1 – “Communicating Science: Techniques for Writing and Speaking”: Led by Professor Andy Ross from Johns Hopkins University, this module helped participants sharpen their scientific writing, structure their ideas, and deliver research presentations with confidence. (January 2025)🎭Module 2 – “Stage Presence for Scientists”: Delivered by the Malad’arte Theatre Company from Braga, this module pushed students out of their comfort zones, using drama techniques to improve body language, vocal delivery, and stage confidence. (February 2025) The grand finale? “Epicenter“—a live performance, held on February 21, 2025, in which PhD students took the stage, seamlessly […]

INL researchers publish in Nature Materials on building atomic-scale ‘spin chains’ to study quantum excitations

In a recent publication in Nature Materials, INL researchers João Henriques and Joaquín Fernández-Rossier, through an international collaborative effort, explored a very sought-after quantum spin system. In a breakthrough that brings the strange world of quantum spins into sharper focus, researchers have successfully created and studied tiny chains of molecular rings, unlocking new insights into how quantum spin excitations behave in these atomic-scale systems. This work centres on a famous quantum physics model known as the spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain, a system where individual spins (a fundamental quantum property related to magnetism) interact in a one-dimensional line. Theorists predicted decades ago that these chains should have “gapless” excitations, meaning tiny disturbances in the spin system can occur with extremely small energy costs as the chain gets longer. However, building such chains at the nanoscale and measuring these effects directly has proven extremely challenging – until now. The research team achieved this by linking special carbon-based molecules called olympicenes – shaped like miniature Olympic rings – into precise linear chains. Each olympicene hosts an unpaired electron, creating a perfect space for quantum spin physics. Using a powerful technique called inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy, the scientists were able to directly measure how the […]

Taking inspiration from the human brain to create a new class of intelligent, light-powered devices

At INL, our researchers are pushing the boundaries of brain-inspired computing, developing neuromorphic systems that process sensory data the way nature does – fast, efficiently, and with minimal energy. In a recently published paper in Scientific Reports, INL researchers developed a tiny micropillar quantum resonant tunnelling diode, or RTD, that behaves like a sensory neuron. This ‘neuron’ is capable of detecting light, processing information, and converting it into electrical signals, all within a single nanoscale device. Researcher Bruno Romeira explains, “This is possible because we are using quantum phenomena.” At its core, this system is a III–V semiconductor structure (materials widely used in photonics and high-speed electronics) designed to respond directly to incoming near-infrared light. When the light intensity reaches a certain threshold, the device enters a state known as negative differential resistance, triggering large-amplitude voltage oscillations. In other words, the incoming light signal is transformed into rhythmic electrical bursts, just like the firing patterns seen in biological neurons. Traditional neuromorphic hardware often relies on complex circuits, combining separate memory components and oscillators to mimic the way biological neurons process information. This increases the size, power consumption, and complexity of the system. The new device developed by Bejoys Jacob and […]

Hazal Gergeroglu: Advancing Science as a Research Engineer and Advocating for Women in STEM

At INL, research engineers are at the forefront of scientific innovation, bridging the gap between research and practical applications. Meet Hazal Gergeroglu, a Research Engineer in the Piteira Research Group, working on cutting-edge sensor technologies for lithium-ion batteries while also advocating for greater inclusivity in STEM. In this interview, Hazal shares how her role has evolved, the impact of her research on energy storage solutions, and the challenges in her field. She also reflects on the barriers women in STEM still face and the importance of fostering a more equitable and inclusive scientific community. How has your role as a Research Engineer evolved over time? When I started at INL as a research engineer, my work focused primarily on experimental research, sensor design, and data analysis. Over time, I took on additional responsibilities in project management, team coordination, and interdisciplinary collaborations. As part of these advancements, I am currently producing various sensor components and assembling these sensors into lithium-ion batteries to improve their safety and performance. In the future, I aim to keep participating in projects integrating scientific research into the industry, focusing on microsensors for batteries, ensuring more efficient and reliable energy storage solutions. Can you describe your work in the […]

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