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INL welcomes the new Deputy Director-General

Professor Doctor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos appointed to be the new Deputy Director-General of INL The Council of the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) has announced the appointment of Prof. Dr. Ado Jório de Vasconcelos as Deputy Director-General of INL, effective from the 2nd of September 2024. He will join the Director-General of INL, Prof. Dr. Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres, to provide strategic direction and leadership. Together, they will bring INL into a new phase that is fit for the challenges faced by research organisations in a rapidly changing world that requires bespoke science excellence and innovation as expressions of social engagement. As Deputy Director-General, Prof. Dr. Jório de Vasconcelos will be responsible for driving innovation, fostering the institute’s mission of advancing nanotechnology research and innovation and promoting the organisation’s global impact on society. Professor Dr. Ado Jório de Vasconcelos has a distinguished career as internationally acclaimed researcher, university teacher and administrator, innovator, and policy maker. He brings a particular international dimension based on his career path in the Americas. The INL community looks forward to his arrival and to working with him. INL Directorate Office

Researchers achieve quantum breakthrough with novel quantum-to-quantum Bernoulli factory design

Unlike classical computers, which use bits to process information as either 0s or 1s, quantum computers use quantum bits, also known as qubits, which can represent and process both 0 and 1 simultaneously thanks to a quantum property called superposition. This fundamental difference gives quantum computers the potential to solve some complex problems much more efficiently than classical computers. INL researcher Ernesto Galvão, in collaboration with Sapienza Università di Roma (Rome) and Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie (Milan), recently published a groundbreaking study in the journal Science Advances, where they describe a new set-up for a quantum-to-quantum Bernoulli factory. A Bernoulli factory is a method to manipulate randomness, using as inputs random coin flips with a certain probability distribution, and outputting coin flips with a different, desired distribution. Let us imagine we have a coin that lands on heads with some unknown probability. Now, we want to create a new coin that lands on heads with a different probability, possibly described by a function of the initial probability. The Bernoulli factory is an ingenious way to flip our original coin multiple times and use the different outcomes to simulate the new coin with the desired probability. Ernesto Galvão adds “This […]

Instruct Hands-on Workshop on Sample Preparation for Single Particle Analysis by Cryo-Electron Microscopy

The Instruct Hands-on Workshop, held from October 7 to 10, 2024, is set to provide in-depth training on sample preparation for single particle analysis (SPA) by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The workshop, hosted by a team of experts from ITQB NOVA, INL, and CNB–CSIC, aims to equip participants with best practices and the latest techniques in cryo-EM imaging. Participants will engage in a comprehensive course featuring a blend of lectures and hands-on tutorials. The lectures will delve into the principles of SPA, covering theoretical and practical aspects of preparing biological samples for negative staining and quality assessment. Practical sessions will offer hands-on experience with vitrification using a plunge-freezing device and optimising grids for sample screening with a cryo-transmission electron microscope (TEM). Attendees are encouraged to bring their samples, providing a unique opportunity to apply newly acquired skills to their specific research needs. The workshop will highlight recent advancements in protein production and stabilisation, as well as the latest technological innovations in grid preparation and sample manipulation. This integrative approach will be crucial for addressing challenging scientific projects. The workshop aims to provide participants with a holistic understanding of the integrated use of biophysics, biochemistry, and cryo-EM for protein structure determination and […]

Researchers Inspire Young Minds at Schools

As part of the European Researchers’ Night initiative, researchers visited several schools in the summer camp program in Tadim-Braga to promote science and engage young students. These visits are part of the ongoing efforts to celebrate science and bring it closer to citizens, aligning with ERN’s 2024-2025 theme of “Science for Global Challenges.” July 4: Engaging the Young MindsOn July 4, a team of INL researchers, including Catarina Moura, Carlos Honrado, Adriana Carneiro, Bernardo Nogueira, Maria Relvas, and Tiago Moura, prepared different experiences for students of EB1 Tadim, EB2,3 Tadim, and Alfacoop schools. 45 students participated and built on their knowledge and interest in scientific topics. The activities conducted were designed to illustrate how science can address major global and European challenges in environmental, economic, and social sustainability. July 18: Continuing the Journey of DiscoveryOn July 18, researchers João Henriques, João Rodrigues, Lurdes Gonçalves, Diana Oliveira, Mariam Debs, Carlos Rosário, and Catarina Moura prepared different experiences, once again, for students of EB1 Tadim, EB2,3 Tadim, and Alfacoop schools. Students, aged between 4 to 14, participated in interactive sessions that sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm for science. These activities were tailored to suit the varied age groups, ensuring that each student […]

Filipa Lebre: Exploring the Frontier of Nanosafety

Filipa Lebre is a Research Fellow in the Nanosafety Research Group at INL, and her research focuses on the complex interactions among the immunological system and different organs, using novel technologies and in-house developed systems. Filipa has a background in Pharmaceutical Sciences and holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, focused on the development and optimization of a polymeric nasal vaccine against hepatitis B to be used for mass immunization. She moved to Ireland during her postdoc to conduct her research at the interface between biomaterial and immunology, studying key aspects of immunomodulation by a relevant spectrum of materials with applicability in the regenerative medicine field. Could you share with us your professional trajectory and what inspired you to embark on a career in nanosafety? I’m very curious by nature and always had this passion and interest in science. When I did my degree in Pharmaceutical Science, I was fortunate enough to find a teacher who was working in the vaccine field and made me realize how I could use my passion to impact millions of lives. That was when I started to work with nanoformulations. I obtained my PhD in formulation development, […]

Can we cut the energy consumption of current AI technologies?

As artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as AI, becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our daily lives, the energy demands of AI systems continue to rise. Despite AI being inspired by the human brain, it is significantly less energy efficient because most tasks are implemented on computer hardware that is not specifically tailored for this purpose. The human brain remains an exemplar of energy-efficient computation, a standard that modern technology strives to replicate. INL researchers are studying advanced materials and devices aimed at revolutionising AI systems. Carlos Rosário, ERA fellow at INL (Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA)), focuses his research on reducing the substantial energy consumption required by current AI technologies. Carlos’ work is grounded in the field of neuromorphic computing, which seeks to mimic the brain’s intricate network of neurons and synapses using artificial equivalents. The goal is to create an electronic brain capable of performing complex computations with minimal energy use. One of the key areas of Carlos Rosário’s research is the exploration of 3D topological insulators for novel electronic devices. These cutting-edge materials exhibit unique properties: while they are insulators and do not conduct electricity through their bulk, their surfaces behave like metals, allowing for efficient electrical […]

Secretary of State for Science Visits INL, Showcasing Key Projects and Innovations

Prof. Dr Ana Paiva, Secretary of State for Science, visited INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory today. This visit provided an exceptional platform for INL to present its ongoing projects and significant achievements in the field of science and technology. The presence of Prof. Dr. Paiva underscored the crucial role of INL’s work and its far-reaching impact on the broader scientific community. Prof. Dr. Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres, INL Director-General, welcomed Prof. Dr Paiva and provided an insightful overview of INL’s mission and accomplishments. This introduction set the stage for a series of detailed presentations and discussions that highlighted INL’s prominence in both the national and European research landscapes. Presentation Highlights: Secretary of State’s visit to INL was a testament to the laboratory’s dedication to innovation, excellence, and its significant contributions to the field of science and technology. This visit not only highlighted INL’s achievements but also reinforced the importance of continued support and investment in scientific research and development. Text and Photography by Gina Palha

INL volta abrir as portas à sociedade

Apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships at INL

INL invites postdoctoral researchers to elevate their careers through the prestigious MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) 2024 HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01-01. This exceptional opportunity is designed for researchers with up to 8 years of PhD experience who are eager to advance their careers by conducting cutting-edge research in a vibrant international environment. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships, funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, are aimed at supporting the international mobility and professional development of PhD-holding researchers. As a fellow, you will engage in an independent research project in collaboration with a host institution in a European Member State or Associated Country. INL, located in the picturesque city of Braga, Portugal, offers a stimulating setting for your research journey. Key Benefits of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships: Eligibility Criteria: Application Deadline: The EU call deadline for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships is September 11, 2024. INL is excited to support talented researchers in pursuing excellence through the MSCA-PF program. Don’t miss this chance to bring your career to the next level and join us in Braga for an enriching research experience. Join us and make a significant impact in the world of nanotechnology research with the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships! For more […]