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May 16, 2024

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

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 […]

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 […]

André Araújo, an Electronics Engineer among Physicists

André is a Research Engineer working in the Spintronics Research group at INL, and his focus is to provide technical hands-on expertise on advanced embedded systems and techniques, delivering solutions to interface sensors developed by the group. André holds an MSc in Electrical and Electronical Engineering from Universidade do Minho, specialising in embedded systems and technology systems and information. What are you currently focusing on in your work? Spintronics is a research group that has at its core the creation and fabrication of nanodevices, these devices comprise magneto-resistive sensors, oscillators, memristors and so on. Besides these research lines, there was always the need and interest to take this technology to the real world, testing it in a wide range of fields, and having industrial applications as the major target. Within this context, the group developed internally a hardware solution to acquire data from magneto-resistive sensors and software to accompany it, to serve as a data logger, a real-time data visualizer and an interpreter of data, both in time and frequency domains. The data can be analyzed, processed with filters and can be fed to AI algorithms to detect events and patterns which are relevant to the end user. The need to […]

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 […]

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 […]

Natalia Spera, developing self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities

Natalia joined INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory as a Research Engineer in the Nanochemistry Research Group. She is currently working on synthesising, characterising, and applying sustainable coatings with self-healing solutions. Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? I am currently working on the development of self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities and extend the longevity of offshore structures within the MAREWIND Project. My responsibilities encompass researching and developing core-shell nanofibers and microcapsules feasible for application in liquid coating formulations. Our solution entails having an autonomous healing response when the coating is damaged. Recently, we achieved a significant milestone by successfully scaling up our innovative self-healing materials for application in a 100-litre batch, marking a crucial step forward in transitioning laboratory technology to industry. Could you briefly describe what a typical day looks like for you, Natalia, and what aspects of your work and the INL organization excite you the most? Certainly! A typical day for me involves a dynamic mix of laboratory experiments, data analysis, and collaboration with colleagues. I usually begin with hands-on lab activities that occupy a significant portion of my day. Subsequent data analysis is also an exhilarating aspect, as […]

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