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Engineering the Future: Patrícia Sousa on the Challenges and Innovations in Micro and Nanotechnologies

Introducing Patrícia Sousa, a pioneering Research Engineer in Integrated Micro and Nanotechnologies at INL. With a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Porto, Patrícia has specialized in microfluidics and advanced fabrication techniques that address critical challenges in micro and nanotechnologies. Patrícia’s dedication extends beyond the lab, as she actively participates in public outreach initiatives, including the European Researcher’s Night and educational programs in local schools. There, she shares her expertise in accessible and inspiring ways, illustrating how nanotechnology can transform fields such as medicine, electronics, and sustainability. In this interview, Patrícia offers insight into her career journey, the challenges and triumphs in her work, and her passion for making science accessible and impactful for all. Could you briefly describe your academic and professional background in micro and nanotechnologies? My academic background includes a first degree in Chemical Engineering, from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto followed by a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering, also from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto. Since my PhD studies focused on microfluidics, at that time I started deepening my knowledge in the field of micro and nanotechnology and in particular, micro […]

INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory Achieves OECD Good Laboratory Practice Certification

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) celebrates a significant milestone as its Nanosafety Laboratory is officially recognized for meeting the demanding standards of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Principles of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). This certification, granted by the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ), highlights INL’s commitment to responsible innovation, establishing its laboratory as a trusted center for safe and credible nanotechnology research. Following an extensive review in May 2024, the certification assures that INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory complies with the highest international standards for testing and assessing nanomaterials, particularly for industrial and agricultural applications. The laboratory’s commitment to safe technological advancements aligns closely with INL’s mission to promote public health and environmental integrity. Leading the Way in Nanotechnology Safety With GLP certification, INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory is now validated for several essential testing areas in nanotechnology safety: This achievement is a testament to the dedicated efforts across INL’s teams, including the Alfaro-Moreno Research Group, the CQM Unit, and participants in the ERA-Chair Sinfonia and SbDToolbox projects. Contributing team members, including Filipa Lebre, Vânia Vilas-Boas, Andreia Carvalho, Ana Ribeiro, Nivedita Chatterjee, Catarina Gonçalves, Helena Macedo, Begoña Espiña, Marina Brito, Margaret Costa, Ana Teixeira, and Sadaf Almas, have driven essential […]

A Vision for the Future: INL Welcomes New Deputy Director-General

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) hosted an inspiring ceremony this week to introduce Professor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos as its new Deputy Director-General (DDG). This event, held at the INL headquarters, signals a significant step forward in the organisation’s quest for innovative advancement. The ceremony commenced with remarks from INL’s Director-General, Professor Clivia Sotomayor, who emphasised the strategic significance of Professor Jório’s appointment. She outlined key milestones for INL, including the rationalization of research themes, the introduction of a new Career System, and strengthened collaborations with Spanish institutions and local partners. Professor Sotomayor reaffirmed INL’s commitment to European initiatives, particularly the European Chips Act, aimed at boosting Europe’s competitiveness and resilience in the semiconductor sector. These developments set a promising foundation for INL’s future. Inmaculada Figueroa, President of the INL Council and representative of the Spanish Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Universities, expressed her support for Professor Jório and enthusiasm for INL’s innovative future under his and Professor Sotomayor’s guidance. Professor Madalena Alves, Head of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and Vice-President of the INL Council, highlighted the crucial role of new leadership for INL’s strategic success, underscoring the responsibility of all INL members to foster a robust and competitive organisation. Olga […]

Innovative water repellent material to cut waste in the auto industry

A groundbreaking project is underway to develop hydrophobic sleeves for painting robots, aimed at extending their lifespan and reducing waste in the automotive sector. Diana Alves, a researcher at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, is working in the GreenAuto Agenda, and is working towards the development of super-hydrophobic coatings, specifically tailored for the automotive industry. These coatings possess unique properties that repel water. Instead of spreading, droplets form into spheres and roll off the surface, preventing the accumulation of moisture. Currently, the sleeves need to be regularly replaced, generating non-reusable waste. However, with the addition of superhydrophobic coatings, paint would be repelled, significantly extending the lifespan of the sleeves. Many current solutions for hydrophobic protection depend on PFAS, a group of fluorinated compounds known for their toxicity and environmental persistence. These chemicals degrade very slowly, remaining in the environment for extended periods. Despite their widespread use, the long-lasting nature of PFAS makes them a growing concern for health and environmental safety. To address this issue, Diana Alves and Kolen’ko’s research group are developing an alternative solution using nanomaterials that provide the same superhydrophobic benefits without the use of fluorine-based chemicals. The morphological properties of nanomaterials are engineered to control […]

#ISFGM2024 – International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials concludes with a notable achievement

The 17th International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials – #ISFGM2024 concluded with resounding success, thanks to the participation of esteemed researchers, industry professionals, and academics from around the globe. Hosted by the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal, from September 29 to October 2, the event provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing groundbreaking research in the field of Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs). Throughout the symposium, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, inspiring keynote presentations, technical sessions, and poster presentations. The diverse range of topics covered reflected the multidisciplinary nature of FGMs, whose applications span biomedical, automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering sectors, among others. A key highlight of ISFGM2024 was the election of Ana Ribeiro to the international advisory committee on functionally graded materials (IACFGMs). In a historic moment for the community, Ana joins this distinguished board, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the field. This prestigious recognition acknowledges her contributions to FGM research and her leadership in advancing the discipline. As ISFGM2024 comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. The exchanges of ideas, the collaborative spirit, and the […]

III Science Communication Meeting Antena Minho – INL

The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory together with Antena Minho and in partnership with the Universidade do Minho and the European Researchers’ Night will host the III Meeting ‘Science for All’ Antena Minho – INL on October 11, 2024, between 09:00 and 12:30. This event is designed to create a dynamic platform where scientists, science communicators, and journalists can engage with diverse audiences to make science accessible to everyone. The meeting will feature a range of fascinating talks and performances, including: This event is an opportunity for students, the general public and science enthusiasts to learn, network and enhance their knowledge and understanding of science communication. The event will be held in Portuguese. Registration is free, but mandatory, until October 10. Don’t miss this unique chance to engage with the world of science. Join us!

INL Researcher Recognised by the Portuguese Cancer League for Groundbreaking Research

Alexandra Teixeira, a researcher at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), has been awarded the prestigious Liga Inovação 2024 Prize, a distinction promoted by the North Branch of the Portuguese Cancer League (Núcleo Regional do Norte da Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro). The award, valued at 7,500 euros, was presented during the 6th National Meeting of Young Researchers (6º Encontro Nacional de Jovens Investigadores – ENJIO) in Porto, where her innovative cancer research project was recognized among 80 competing proposals. Teixeira’s research focuses on the development of advanced technology to better understand the behaviour and metastatic potential of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which play a critical role in cancer progression. Her work is particularly focused on breast cancer, a condition that affects millions worldwide and is projected to increase in prevalence. By studying CTCs, the project aims to uncover new insights into how cancer spreads, paving the way for more targeted and personalized treatment strategies. The Liga Inovação Prize aims to promote research with the potential to contribute significantly to oncology, particularly in developing personalized medicine approaches for cancer patients. Teixeira’s project aligns with this mission by addressing metastasis, which is responsible for up to 90% of cancer-related deaths. The […]

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.

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