News

COVID-19 EVENTS FUNDED PROJECTS GENERAL INL PICKS INL STATEMENTS INNOVATION MOST POPULAR PEOPLE RESEARCH SCALE EXPERIENCES SCALE TRAVELS SEMICONDUCTORS SINFONIA PROJECT SPOTLIGHT WOMEN IN SCIENCE WOMEN IN STEM

ERN 2024 Brings Science to Life for Nearly 1,400 Participants in Braga

On September 27, 2024, nearly 1,400 participants gathered in Braga for the European Researchers’ Night (ERN), under the theme Science for Global Challenges. The event showcased cutting-edge research and demonstrated how science addresses critical global issues like environmental protection, economic development, and social justice. INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, committed to outreach and bringing science closer to the public, actively participated with European funded projects such as LEARN, FRONTSH1P, Forging, and 3DSecret. Attendees enjoyed interactive experiences, including optical experiments revealing the colors of white light, engaging science-themed board games, and an immersive exploration of extracellular vesicles. João Martinho Moura’s multimedia performance micromacronanooffered a unique blend of art and science, illustrating the connection between the smallest particles and the vastness of the universe. The Consortium: A National Collaboration ERN 2024 was powered by a national consortium. INL and the University of Minho led efforts in Braga, while the University of Coimbra, University of Lisbon, Universidade Nova, ISCTE, and the University of Évora ensured the event reached communities across Coimbra, Lisbon, and Alentejo, making science accessible throughout the country. + A day to remember. See the full photo gallery here >>

INL researchers recognised among top 2% of scientists worldwide

INL researchers have received prestigious recognition by Stanford University, placing them among the top 2% of scientists globally. On the 16th September 2024, Stanford University published its latest global list of highly acclaimed scientists from various fields. The university maintains an accessible database featuring scientists with significant academic impact, providing standardised details on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations by authorship position, and a composite indicator (c-score). This data is made available separately to assess both career-long impact and the achievements of the year 2023. Remarkably, the following INL members have earned a place on the ‘World Ranking Top 2% Scientists’ list for 2023: Bruno Romeira, Joaquín Fernández-Rossier, Miguel A. Cerqueira, Nuno Peres, Paulo Ferreira, Sanna Sillankorva, Victor Souza, and Zhongchang Wang. Additionally, Joaquín Fernández-Rossier, Francis Leonard Deepak, Miguel A. Cerqueira, Nuno Peres, Paulo Ferreira, Sascha Sadewasser, and Zhongchang Wang, were recognised in the career-long analysis of the ‘World Ranking Top 2% Scientists’ list. Congratulations to INL researchers for their remarkable achievement! For the complete list, you can visit the following link.

INL recognised as “key innovator” in cutting-edge spintronics technology by EC Innovation Radar

The work developed by the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory within the EU-funded project RadioSpin was recently highlighted on the European Commission’s Innovation Radar for its significant potential. The important milestone is the result of the joint effort by INL and two consortium partners – Thales and CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) – in the development of RF-mode MTJ stacks and devices optimised for neuromorphic computing and sensing. This breakthrough technology, which mimics brain-like computing, is set to transform fields like neuromorphic computing and advanced sensing. The Innovation: A Game-Changer in Neuromorphic Computing and Sensing The innovation centres on Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) stacks in radio frequency (RF) mode. These optimised MTJ devices offer potential breakthroughs in neuromorphic computing—a field inspired by biological neural networks, aimed at more efficient, brain-like computing. Additionally, their sensing capabilities could significantly enhance various high-tech applications, from telecommunication to smart sensors, benefiting a wide range of industries such as IoT, AI, and healthcare. The Innovation Radar analysis identifies this technology as having great market potential. RadioSpin focuses on developing spintronic devices that operate at high frequencies, offering innovative telecommunications and neuromorphic computing solutions. Spintronics is a technology that exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons […]

INL team develops sensor to detect multidrug-resistant bacteria

A research team at INL is using ionizing light to “smell” volatile compounds emitted by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a serious global threat with widespread implications, contributing to an estimated 5 million deaths annually due to drug-resistant infections. This occurs as bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, leading to new bacterial strains that are resistant to treatment. As a result, infections become harder to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Recently, this work was featured in ‘90 Segundos de Ciência’, a series of science communication episodes with daily broadcasts on Antena 1 Portuguese public radio. In this episode, Research Engineer Susana Costa explains INL’s contribution towards this exciting project in just 90 seconds (in Portuguese). The novel sensor is being designed to detect multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospital environments and healthcare facilities. Susana Costa explains that “the photo-ionization sensor employs a sophisticated mechanism that emits light, targeting gaseous molecules released by bacteria present in the air. When the light interacts with these molecules, it ionizes them, creating ions and electrons. These electrons, under the influence of an electric field, generate an electric current, which is then measured by the system”. The technology behind […]

European Researchers’ Night 2024: a celebration of science for global challenges this Friday

The European Researchers’ Night (ERN) returns this year on September 27, 2024, uniting science enthusiasts across Europe for an unforgettable evening of discovery, innovation, and community engagement. Promoted by the European Commission since 2005, this annual event aims to bring science closer to citizens and highlight its role in addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges. As part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, ERN 2024 will take place in over 30 countries and 300 cities, including key locations in Portugal: Braga, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Évora. The event, themed “Science for Global Challenges”, will focus on connecting the general public, particularly students, with important scientific research and knowledge aimed at tackling global issues like environmental protection, economic growth, and social fairness. Connecting Society with Science The European Researchers’ Night is more than just a celebration; it serves as a bridge between society and the scientific community. By reaching out to students and the public, ERN2024 aims to increase awareness of the vital role science plays in everyday life and inspire the next generation of scientists. This year’s theme emphasises how scientific research can be a powerful tool for addressing global challenges—from climate change to social inequality. ERN2024 aims to show why by helping students, educators, and communities understand the relevance of scientific research in tackling real-world problems. At […]

Espiña and Kolen’ko Groups at XI NyNA 2024 in Santiago de Compostela

From September 3 to 6, 2024, members of the Espiña (Water Quality) and Kolen’ko (Nanochemistry) groups from INL (International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory) participated in the XI International Congress on Analytical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NyNA 2024), held in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The event brought together experts in analytical chemistry and nanotechnology to exchange cutting-edge developments and research under key topics such as Nano(bio)sensors, Nanomaterials for sample preparation, Analytical Nanometrology, and Detection, characterization, and quantification of nanomaterials. The INL researchers made a significant impact, presenting one plenary talk, two oral presentations, and one poster, demonstrating their leading role in these fields. Begoña Espiña from the Water Quality group delivered the Plenary Lecture (PL5) entitled “Nanotechnology-based sensors and materials for water contaminants monitoring,” discussing innovative approaches to the detection of harmful substances in water using nanotechnology. The talk highlighted advanced solutions for water quality management, showcasing the increasing importance of nanosensors in environmental monitoring. Javier Terán and Carlos Gonçalves contributed with oral presentations, further elaborating on analytical methods and strategies involving nanomaterials, while Joana Araújo presented a poster detailing recent research advancements. NyNA 2024 focused on fostering the growth of analytical chemistry concepts applied to nanoscience, with discussions spanning across nanotechnological applications and miniaturized nanosystems. With their substantial contributions, the Espiña and Kolen’ko groups continue to pave the way for innovation in the realms of water quality and nanochemistry. […]

Nanotechnology as a strategy for plastics in a circular economy

In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, industries that rely heavily on plastic materials face significant challenges. Plastics can be found in everything from packaging to consumer electronics. However, the environmental consequences of plastic waste are driving the sector towards a much-needed transformation. The European strategy for plastics in a circular economy embraces an ambitious approach to enhance the recyclability of plastic packaging and provides a strong response to the issue of microplastics, a major contributor to marine pollution. The current design, production, use, and disposal of plastics have harmful effects on our society, economy, and environment. Supported by the EU, projects such as FlexFunction2Sustain and Convert2Green are creating a sustainable open innovation ecosystem. This ecosystem helps small industries bring innovative products to market faster, with a focus on new polymer formulations, such as bio-based and biodegradable plastics. INL researcher Victor Souza explains that their lab is developing “sustainable, smart products that can drastically reduce the environmental footprint of industries that rely on plastics.” The goal is to make these materials both high-performing and eco-friendly. Pastrana’s group is addressing the challenge of plastic waste by developing nano-functionalised flexible plastic and paper materials. Victor explains, “At INL, we are working […]

Revolutionising micro optics: INL researchers develop open-source software for advanced design and modelling

INL researchers, in collaboration with Bosch Car Multimedia and Bosch Security Systems, recently published an article on Computer Physics Communications, where they introduce a new open-source Python software that democratises the design and modelling of micro optical elements and flat optics. Micro optics can replace bulky traditional optics with sleek, micro and nanostructured alternatives, enabling more advanced optical functions. These components, produced with semiconductor microfabrication techniques, require precise binary or multilevel lithography masks to translate computed designs into physical components. However, no existing tool offers a complete solution for designing, simulating, and generating these masks – until now. INL researchers developed an open-source software package to fill this gap, by providing an end-to-end solution that allows users to design, simulate, and generate lithography masks for micro optical elements. João Cunha, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at INL, explains “with this new development it is possible to create masks directly from your desired optical functions, and export them as binary or multilevel lithography files (such as GDSII and DXF) compatible with standard microfabrication tools.” “This package addressed the challenge of producing surface relief diffractive optics by discretisation of continuous topographies into mask layers, required for specific micro and nanofabrication approaches, such […]

Advanced electron microscopy to investigate magnetic layered materials

In a recent study published in Nature Communications, INL researchers Loukya Boddapati and Francis Leonard Deepak, along with an international team from Korea, Spain, the U.S., and the U.K., used cutting-edge electron microscopy, including low-temperature Cryo-TEM, to explore the structural phase transitions of CrI₃. CrI₃ is a novel magnetic material which has attracted significant attention for its unique ferromagnetic properties and potential applications in spintronics. The stacking configurations in van der Waals crystals significantly influence several material properties. Previous research has shown that stacking engineering is a powerful method for achieving desired properties through layer-by-layer crystal engineering. Controlling the twist angle between artificially stacked two-dimensional (2D) materials has led to the discovery of unconventional phenomena, ranging from superconductivity to strongly correlated magnetism. This study clarifies the complex relationship between these transitions and the material’s magnetic properties. In this study, cross-sectional TEM analysis was used to identify interlayer stacking disorders in CrI3. According to Francis Leonard Deepak, “the study provides evidence of twisted stacking faults in CrI₃ and reveals changes in the relative population of twisted domains, without the anticipated transition to the rhombohedral phase at low temperatures”. “These findings underscore the importance of understanding layer-dependent stacking order and magnetic properties […]

Prev 1 … 6 7 8 9 10 … 97 Next

INL in the Media

Nanowerk | Incorporating graphene into solid-contact electrodes highly improves lithium detection

October 24, 2025

EcoInventos Green Technology | Científicos portugueses desarrollan “espejo nanométrico” que mejora un 1.5% la eficiencia de células solares ultrafinas

All Clippings

Press Inquiries

Press Corner

If you are interested to learn more about INL, share our news, or visit our Communication team, please contact us!