INL History and Governance

INL is an international intergovernmental research organisation aiming to perform cutting-edge research and development in nanotechnology and to function as an innovation integrator in multiple application domains.

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International Status and History

INL was established in 2005 by a joint decision of the Governments of Portugal and Spain. Operating since late 2010, following an initial investment of 100 M€, INL is currently financed by the member states (30%), competitive funds from Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and national PT2020 scientific calls (50%), and industry collaborations and user fees (20%).

Our infrastructure provides a high-tech research environment for INL staff and users. It extends over an area of 47,000 m2, with 26,000 m2 of buildings. This includes 7,500 m2 of laboratory space, with high-accuracy laboratories, a cleanroom with an area of 1,200 m2, an auditorium and other public areas over 4,800 m2.  

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Governance

The INL Statutes anticipate the possibility of opening INL to the membership of other countries and the participation of institutions and experts from all over the world to establish an international pole of excellence, developing partnerships with higher education institutions and industry, transferring knowledge with added value, generating employment and training specialised professionals. Our neutral grounds are a common venue for ambassadors, ministers, and other national representatives to meet and discuss new opportunities for collaboration.

The INL Council is the sovereign body of the INL and is composed of representatives from each member state. The role of the Council is to determine the policies at scientific, technical and administrative levels, approving the programme of activities and the budget based on proposals of the Director-General. The President of the Council is Dr. Inmaculada Figueroa Rojas.

Council Members representing the Kingdom of Spain

  • Ms. Inmaculada Figueroa Rojas, Deputy Director-General for International Consortia, Organizations and Research Infrastructures, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU)

  • Ms. Ana Aricha Yanguas, Vice Deputy Director-General for International Consortia, Organizations and Research Infrastructures, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU)

  • Prof. Dr. Hernán Ruy Míguez García, CSIC Research Professor and Collaborator of the Research State Agency (AEI), Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU)

Council Members representing the Portuguese Republic

  • Prof. Dr. Madalena Alves, President of the Board of Directors of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (‘Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia’)

  • Prof. Dr. José Higino Gomes Correia, Full Professor of Industrial Electronics at the University of Minho

  • Prof. Dr. Pedro Miguel Cândido Barquinha, Associate Professor of Advanced Functional Materials for Micro and Nanotechnologies, NOVA School of Science and Technology

The INL Council appoints the Directorate of INL

  • Prof. Dr. Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres, Director-General

  • Prof. Dr. Ado Jório de Vasconcelos, Deputy Director-General

The main advisory body of the INL Council is the Scientific Policy Committee. The members of this committee are:

  • Yvan Bruynseraede – KU Leuven
  • Manuel Martín-Lomas – CIC biomaGUNE
  • Carlos Oliveira – Fundação José Neves
  • Mihail C. Roco – National Science Foundation
  • François Rossi – European Commission – Joint Research Centre
  • Julia Yeomans – The Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics

INL has a Finance Committee. Its members are:

  • Ms. Guadalupe de Córdoba Lasunción, Head of Area at the Deputy Directorate-General for International Consortia, Organisations and Research Infrastructures (MICIU), Spain

  • Mr. Santiago Romo Urroz, Social Projection and Sustainability Area, Rey Juan Carlos University, Spain

  • Mr. Ricardo Miguel Lavado Araújo, Financial Coordinator of the Department of International Relations (DRI), Portugal

  • Ms. Filipa Coelho, Scientific and Financial Officer of the Department of International Relations (DRI), Portugal

The External Auditing Bodies are:

2020 / 2021 / 2022 – Tribunal de Cuentas España
2023 / 2024 / 2025 – Tribunal de Contas de Portugal

Research Ethics Committee

The Research Ethics Committee (INL REC) is an Advisory Board that was established by the INL Council, designed to be a multidisciplinary, independent and permanent collegiate body, to provide advice on the ethical, social and legal aspects of research developed in, or supported by, the INL, to ensure the respect and protection of dignity, fundamental rights, safety, and well-being of the research participants and researchers.

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is a key body meant to provide the INL Director-General with independent advice on the quality, originality and strategic direction of the work carried out by Research and Engineering Groups at INL, to reach excellence in science and technology.

Administration Advisory Board

The Administration Advisory Board (AAB) plays a vital role in supporting the INL Director-General by offering independent insights on the institute’s administrative framework, policies, and strategic operations. Its recommendations are essential to strengthening INL’s foundations, enabling the institute to fulfil its mission of advancing science and technology.

Advisory Board of INL Core Faciliites

The Advisory Board of INL Core Facilities plays a vital role in shaping the future of INL’s research infrastructure. This board provides external expertise and feedback to guide the development and operation of the laboratory’s cutting-edge facilities. By focusing on the strategic direction and operational excellence of INL Core Facilities, this board ensures they continue to support INL’s mission of advancing science and technology at the highest level.