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European Neuromorphic Computing Event Draws 100 Participants to Bridge Research and Innovation

European Neuromorphic Computing Event Draws 100 Participants to Bridge Research and Innovation

Yesterday, Braga, Portugal, played host to a pivotal event in the field of neuromorphic computing, attracting a diverse array of 100 participants. The gathering, which brought together representatives from ten ongoing European research projects on neuromorphic computing alongside two leading companies in the field, aimed to foster collaboration and innovation. At the core of the event was the mission to bridge the gap between scientifically sound technologies and practical innovation in neuromorphic computing. By merging discussions on technologies at different stages of maturity, organizers sought to identify common approaches and best practices for advancing these technologies in Europe. Key topics of discussion included exploring available tools and addressing challenges that artificial neural networks and systems face within the realm of neuromorphic computing. Representative examples from participating projects covered a spectrum of neuromorphic approaches, including electronics, spintronics, photonics, and other emerging materials often integrated with CMOS technology. These cutting-edge technologies find applications across various domains, including computer vision, edge AI, sensing, computing, high-frequency data processing, deep learning, security applications, and signal regeneration. Beyond formal sessions, participants engaged in informal discussions during a social dinner, fostering networking opportunities and collaboration beyond the confines of structured meetings. The event not only provided a […]

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INL researchers are integrating light and AI to advance nanotechnology

INL researchers are integrating light and AI to advance nanotechnology

‘What if the brains of future robots are powered by light?’ This was one of the questions INL researcher Bejoys Jacob has been trying to answer during the past years at INL. As artificial intelligence, also known as AI, continues to revolutionise society, scientists are exploring innovative ways to power the brains of future robots. Traditional computer architectures, such as the von Neumann architecture, demand substantial energy consumption to execute AI algorithms. In light of the increasing demand for AI tools and the global push for sustainable energy solutions, researchers are seeking alternative computational architectures inspired by the human brain. At INL, the focus has been on developing a revolutionary architecture powered by light. This ambitious project involves the creation of miniaturised light sources, detectors, and photonic interconnects for a novel photonic integrated circuit architecture. As part of this initiative, Bejoys, who is pursuing a PhD at INL, in the Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics group, in collaboration with Charles III University of Madrid (UC3M), is developing nano- and micro-LEDs based on GaAs III-V semiconductor materials. These LEDs mimic neuronal activity through optical/electrical signals, paving the way for advanced brain-inspired computational architectures. Bejoys explains that “the devices developed through this research […]

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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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INL researchers awarded funding to develop an automated sensor to detect emerging viruses

INL researchers awarded funding to develop an automated sensor to detect emerging viruses

Zoonotic infectious diseases, i.e. diseases that transmit from animals to humans, are on the rise, and the potential for a new pandemic is more significant than ever. It is imperative to develop advanced technologies capable of continuous monitoring to identify high-risk zones for pathogen transmission between animals and humans. This requirement is essential to mitigate the potential human, socio-political, and economic impact of pandemics. The global initiative ‘One Health’ advocates collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health professionals to address health challenges. Its goal is to comprehend and prevent zoonotic diseases, while fostering a holistic approach to global health. Although the European Parliament calls for continuous surveillance and harmonised data collection from animal farms, current practices fall short for continuous and automatic detection, limiting detection to specific and already known pathogens. FLUFET, which stands for ‘FLow detection of virUses by graphene Field Effect Transistor microarrays’, is the new EIC Pathfinder project with a goal to develop a novel approach for the detection of viruses. It will be the first automated sensor capable of continuously detecting a broad spectrum of viral targets, including unknown viruses. This revolutionary sensor, combining technologies and knowledge from different fields, such as graphene field effect transistors […]

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INL hosted its Annual Research Symposium

INL hosted its Annual Research Symposium

Last week, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory was transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation and discovery as it hosted its Annual Research Symposium. This dynamic internal event provided a platform for research and engineering groups to showcase their latest breakthroughs and advancements to the wider INL community, sparking an atmosphere brimming with scientific fervour. Featuring an impressive array of 22 live demonstrations and over 100 captivating posters, the symposium immersed attendees in a unique series of cutting-edge science that infused every corner of the institution. Starting on Monday, April 22nd, the symposium began with exciting presentations on materials science, information technology, and communication. It then moved on to explore spintronics, photonics, and phononic principles, showcasing innovative devices with the potential to shape the future. The day concluded with a stimulating discussion on innovation pathways, mapping out strategies to advance technologies to the next level. In the subsequent days, the symposium continued to captivate with discussions spanning clean energy, environmental sustainability, and personalised health initiatives. The proceedings reached a crescendo with a captivating overview of metamaterials and their revolutionary implications for addressing food-related challenges. Amidst the intellectual exchange, the Advanced Electron Microscopy and Imaging Spectroscopy (AEMIS) facility at […]

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Info Session with EIC, CONNECT and ESMEIA

Info Session with EIC, CONNECT and ESMEIA

INL and the Portuguese National Innovation Agency – ANI, host the Info Session Navigating the Digital Landscape: From Idea to Innovation. The programme is focused on the EIC Challenges and Cluster 4 of Horizon Europe and includes a set of bilateral sessions with the National Contact Points, during which participants will have the chance to explore the funding programmes EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition. The event counts on the valuable contribution of Isabel Obieta – EIC Programme Manager for Responsible Electronics, the participation of CONNECT – the EC Directorate‑General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, and EISMEIA – the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency. Registrations are now open; secure your spot here.

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A microfluidic platform that simulates human digestion

A microfluidic platform that simulates human digestion

In a recently published study, INL researchers developed an innovative microfluidic platform that is capable of replicating key human gastrointestinal processes, offering a game-changing tool for the assessment of newly-developed drugs and/or food supplements. The innovation combines a ‘Digestion-Chip’ and a ‘Gut-Chip’, each enabling sequentially the simulation of digestion through the gastrointestinal tract and the evaluation of intestinal permeability. The study ‘From mouth to gut: microfluidic in vitro simulation of human gastro-intestinal digestion and intestinal permeability’, introduces a miniaturised setup that allows studies of sample bioaccessibility and simplified bioavailability using minimal sample amounts. In addition, the outflow from the ‘Digestion-chip’ can be exposed to the cell-based Gut-Chip, which replicates the intestinal epithelium, using unprecedentedly low sample dilutions thus allowing the detection of ‘rare’ compounds. Both devices work in continuous flow requiring very little user interfacing. In this work, casein – a milk protein that is widely used as a supplement in sports nutrition – was tested as a model compound. And critically, the Gut-Chip can be used to evaluate intestinal permeability offering reference permeability values that are in line to those found using human ex vivo models. Miguel Xavier, one of the first authors of the research study adds “the […]

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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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MAY 15: European Neuromorphic Computing Event Aims to Bridge Gap Between Research and Innovation

MAY 15: European Neuromorphic Computing Event Aims to Bridge Gap Between Research and Innovation

In a bid to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of neuromorphic computing, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory is set to host a one-day research event bringing together coordinators, participants, and collaborators from various European projects and industry partners. Scheduled to take place on May 15, in Braga – Portugal, the event will serve as a platform for representatives from ten ongoing European research projects on neuromorphic computing. Additionally, two representatives from leading companies leveraging neuromorphic computing in their technologies will be in attendance. The event aims to stimulate discussion on bridging the gap between scientifically sound technologies and practical innovation in neuromorphic computing. By merging discussions on technologies at different stages of maturity, the organizers hope to identify common approaches and best practices for advancing these technologies in Europe. Key topics of discussion will include exploring available tools and addressing challenges that artificial neural networks and systems face in the realm of neuromorphic computing. Representative examples from participating projects will cover a spectrum of neuromorphic approaches, including electronics, spintronics, photonics, and other emerging materials often integrated with CMOS. These technologies find applications in diverse fields such as computer vision, edge AI, sensing, computing, high-frequency data processing, […]

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