2024 Yearly Wrap-up: Events

As 2024 comes to a close, INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory reflects on a year of remarkable milestones, innovative achievements, and global collaborations. Hosting over 8,000 visitors and welcoming more than 5,500 participants across various events, INL reaffirmed its global leadership in fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships.

Kicking off 2024 with Leadership and Creativity

The year began with a dual celebration: a heartfelt farewell to Deputy Director General Prof. Dr. Paulo Freitas, whose visionary leadership elevated INL’s global standing, and the captivating Nano Circus: The Amazing Experience of Arts & Science. This unique event brought together the worlds of art and nanotechnology, blending creative expression with scientific discovery to inspire audiences of all ages.

Spring: Breaking New Ground in Science

Spring 2024 saw INL hosting several groundbreaking events that advanced the frontiers of science and technology. The Neuromorphic Computing Event on May 15 brought together leading researchers to explore advancements in mimicking the brain’s architecture and functions, paving the way for revolutionary computing technologies.

The CHIPS-JU 2024 Info Session, also held in May, empowered researchers and industry professionals with critical insights into European Union funding opportunities for the semiconductor field. By helping stakeholders navigate the funding landscape, INL underscored its commitment to supporting innovation in this vital sector.

The INL Open Day welcomed the local community into its state-of-the-art facilities, offering interactive demonstrations, lab tours, and hands-on activities. This celebration of science emphasized INL’s dedication to making cutting-edge research accessible to all.

Summer: Driving Sustainability Efforts

Summer 2024 highlighted INL’s commitment to sustainability through groundbreaking projects and initiatives. The GreenAuto Agenda explored photovoltaic textiles for automotive applications, while the H2 Green Valley Agenda gained momentum as Portugal’s first green hydrogen hub in Sines. These transformative projects mark significant strides toward a fully decarbonized energy system.

INL also brought together emerging scientists at the FUNLAYERS Summer School, a four-day program focused on nanoscale characterization and analysis. Designed for students and early-stage researchers, the program offered a comprehensive journey from foundational concepts to advanced theoretical insights, complemented by lab visits that bridged theory and practice.

Fall: Recognizing Excellence and Engaging Society

This fall, INL introduced Professor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos as its new Deputy Director-General (DDG) during an inspiring ceremony at the INL headquarters. Professor Jório’s appointment signals a bold step forward in the organisation’s pursuit of innovative advancements and leadership in nanotechnology.

In September, the 4th International Workshop on Functional Gradient Materials (ISFGM2024) underscored INL’s leadership in materials science. A historic highlight of the event was the election of Ana Ribeiro to the prestigious Advisory Board, marking her as the first woman to join this esteemed group—a testament to INL’s dedication to gender equity in STEM.

Braga became the spotlight for the closing event of the Sinfonia Project, where over 100 participants celebrated the successful culmination of a transformative four-year journey in nanosafety. The II ‘Total-Nanosafe’ International Conference, held as part of this event, gathered global experts to discuss the intersection of nanotechnology, human health, and environmental impact, furthering INL’s role in advancing responsible innovation.

The European Researchers’ Night 2024 inspired curiosity and engagement across diverse audiences through interactive workshops, exhibitions, and hands-on activities. This pan-European initiative reinforced INL’s mission to connect science with society. Meanwhile, the Researchers Inspire Young Minds at Schools initiative brought INL researchers into classrooms, igniting a passion for STEM among young students and shaping the innovators of tomorrow.

To close the year, INL hosted the inaugural ESRA Symposium, organized by the Early-Stage Researchers Association (ESRA). This groundbreaking event welcomed over 160 participants, including master’s students, PhD candidates, junior researchers, and early-career scientists. It provided a vibrant platform for participants to connect, share, and celebrate their innovative research conducted at INL.

A Year of Impact: by the Numbers

This year’s impressive metrics—8,000 visitors and 5,500 participants—reflect the extent and diversity of events hosted by INL. From cutting-edge scientific workshops to community-focused initiatives, INL has been a vibrant hub of activity, collaboration, and innovation, engaging audiences worldwide.

As INL steps into 2025, it remains steadfast in its mission to advance nanotechnology and tackle global challenges. With a commitment to discovery, impact, and progress, INL is poised to continue shaping the future of science and innovation. Here’s to another year of breakthroughs and global collaboration.