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INL highlights the impact of research on our daily lives at the European Researchers’ Night 2022

The last Friday of September 2022 marked the return of the European Researchers’ Night — the annual celebration of innovative research taking place simultaneously in more than 30 countries and 300 cities throughout Europe.

The diverse programme included games, hands-on activities, a photo booth, and the ERN2022 Photo Exhibition. We learned about biosensors, explored the world of microchips, showcased how we are fighting water pollution, illustrated how fluids work at different scales and shared the passion and the special work MISSION NERD is developing by spreading scientific knowledge to the community.

These were just a few of the possible applications that International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), and ECUM – University of Minho many other partners introduced to more than 1300 visitors 2022 European Researchers’ Night, at Altice Fórum Braga.

The audience defied all researchers with relevant questions and expressed genuine wonder as they saw “magic” happening before their eyes.

This year, ‘Science for Everyone – Sustainability and Inclusion’ was the motto that framed an event committed to raise awareness about the role of science in achieving sustainability and inclusion goals among school students and different audiences, while identifying key societal concerns about climate change and sustainable growth and linking them to science-oriented solutions and proposals.

This European project consortium includes as partners the National Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Lisbon, the Nova School of Sciences and Technology of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, the Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, the Municipality of Lisbon, the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, the School of Sciences of the University of Minho, the University of Évora, and the University of Coimbra.

European Researchers’ Night returns next week to Braga


The European Researchers’ Night 2022 (ERN 2022) will be back in Portugal, next week, with the theme “Science for All (SCIEVER) – Inclusion and Sustainability”, within a national consortium coordinated by the University of Lisbon, through the National Museum of Natural History and Science (MUHNAC), which also integrates the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, and the School of Sciences of the University of Minho.

The initiative will take place on September 30th, between 4 pm and midnight, with a national online program and local activities in Braga, Coimbra, Lisbon and Évora.

The theme of the European Researchers’ Night 2022 – ‘SCIEVER’ – will contribute simultaneously to two main objectives: (i) improving the understanding of the importance of scientific careers development and science investments; (ii) increasing researchers’ understanding of the role of society as a whole for sustainable science policies development.

The goal of our consortium is to directly respond to Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) goals of the EU framework program by raising public awareness, also among school communities, about the relevance of science to assure resources preservation, decarbonization and inclusion and by bridging the gap between scientists and society, giving researchers the opportunity to perceive the main concerns of citizens and how those see and understand their work. Schools and their students will be involved in activities during the whole project, in order to ensure the impact of such communities.

The European project consortium includes as partners the National Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Lisbon, the Nova School of Sciences and Technology of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, the Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, the Municipality of Lisbon, the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, the School of Sciences of the University of Minho, the University of Évora, and the University of Coimbra.

Join us, at Altice Fórum Braga, next week! It will be fun!

Mission NERD visits Braga Hospital


Mission NERD is, once again, out of the laboratory. The first initiative after the pandemic occurred last week at the Braga Hospital. Researchers from INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory visited the Pediatrics Service and the External Consultation Services the purpose of this unique visit was to showcase the world of science and the work developed by our Researchers is not as complicated as it seems.

Visitors and family members were able to experience various activities, such as drilling a balloon without popping it, making the hair stay standing, measuring the height in nanometers or even dressing like a nanoscientist. Humanizing knowledge, facilitating the understanding of science, and decoding some concepts of science through simple activities using everyday materials were the main goals of this visit.

“Mission NERD finally returned to on-site activities! Talking about the importance of the invisible things was never so timely, and an excellent opportunity to explore the nanoworld! Making this return with children had a special meaning because they are incredibly curious, and handle the question “why?” very easily! I believe, being pioneers of using science as a tool to talk about social values is very challenging, but for sure very much rewarding!”, says Elisabete Fernandes, Leader of the Volunteering Project Mission.

Mission NERD aims to decode science to society in a whole new way, create unique experiences, stimulate creativity, enable dialogue and spread scientific knowledge to the community. Our volunteers are committed scientists working at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory that want to inspire and re-connect people of different realities by using a common ground – the spirit of sharing. Our mission is for all people of all ages! The only request: allow your curious nature to lead the way!

#ERN2022 Photo Competition is open!


The #ERN2022 Photo Competition celebrates science, technology and art in the most creative way. The most eclectic mix of ideas, disciplines and perspectives creates the most far-reaching conversations, in-depth debates, and inspiring developments and plays an important role in making science accessible to a wide audience.

This initiative happens under the European Researchers’ Night 2022 event that will happen on September 30, 2022, and it will take place in different cities of Portugal – Braga, Coimbra, Lisboa and Évora and around Europe. In Braga, it will happen at Altice Fórum Braga. This year’s theme is Science for Everyone – Sustainability and Inclusion.

This is your opportunity to showcase the creative side of science. The ERN2022 Photo Competition is an open competition and everyone is encouraged to capture scientific phenomena happening all around us, and submit up to two original photographs within the following categories::

All selected photos will be evaluated by a jury composed of nine representatives of the nine institutions that compose the consortium.

Your talent and unique visualisations are honoured and celebrated. Whether you’re a student, teacher, artist, scientist, engineer, designer, or educator – join the challenge and share your creativity until August 31, 2022.



HOW TO APPLY ➜

INL partners with Native Scientist


INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory partnered with Native Scientist, we continue our commitment to promote fair and quality science education so that everyone can reach their full potential regardless of their background.

Researchers and students now working and developing their research activity at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory will be able to practice outreach activities in Braga/Portugal through the following program: the ‘Native Schools’ program connects scientists and children with a shared cultural background to talk about science in the scientists’ mother tongue and the children’s heritage language. The interaction happens in structured 90-minute workshops that bring together 4 researchers and 12-25 children. The goal is to broaden the horizons of children, promote scientific literacy, and foster multilingualism. To participate, please fill in this form.

And it will also be possible for researchers and students who attended primary school in Spain or Portugal to through the ‘Cientista Regressa à Escola’ or ‘Científic@ Regresa a la Escuela’ program (website under construction). This unique initiative takes scientists back to their primary school for one day to deliver two hands-on science workshops for students. The goal is to broaden the horizons of children, promote scientific literacy, and improve access to quality science education. To participate, please fill in this form if you attended school in Spain, or this form if you attended schools in Portugal.

Together, we want to inspire future scientists, innovators, and thinkers. We want to teach how scale shapes and influences your life. Join us in this adventure and together we will travel in scale and experience science outside your world because we all love science.

11 February, celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at INL

Today, February 11th, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science implemented by UNESCO.  We take this moment to thank all the women working at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory and for being who you are, for always taking the plunge into new scientific adventures and projects, for standing side-by-side with/by your team, for inspiring future generations, and for honoring the legacy of great women that changed the scientific world.

Let’s take the time and imagine a gender-equal world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s unique, diverse, equitable, and truly inclusive. A world where difference is valued, celebrated, and uplifted. Because together and as a team we can break all these barriers.

Today we celebrate you, your achievements. We raise awareness for all that you represent. And, here, at INL, we are proud of our amazing and empowering team. Please, never stop being who you. Happy #WomeninScience day to all!

INL takes new technologies to the European Researchers’ Night 2021


ERN2021-223.jpg

Last Friday, September 24, marked the return of the European Researchers’ Night — the annual celebration of innovative research taking place simultaneously in more than 30 countries and 300 cities throughout Europe.

The diverse programme included ‘live from the lab’ videos about food, water and energy, workshops about light and energy. We’ve also learned about the physics at the microscale, played a game that explained life cycle assessment of nanomaterials, we’ve shown about the importance of energy efficiency and how it can help the environment and our economy, knew a bit more about microstructures & coatings biofoulings, watched an incredible dance act by Arte Total and so many more experiments and experiences.

These were just a few of the possible applications that International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), and ECUM – University of Minho many other partners introduced to more than 1150 visitors 2021 European Researchers’ Night, at Altice Fórum Braga.

The audience defied all researchers with relevant questions and expressed genuine wonder as they saw “magic” happening before their eyes.

This year, ‘Science for Climate’ was the motto that framed an event committed to raising awareness about the role of science in achieving the goals of the European Green Deal. It aims to identify major societal concerns about climate change, understand how to achieve sustainable growth, and explore the present and future solutions to tackle these challenges.

This European project consortium includes as partners the National Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Lisbon, the Nova School of Sciences and Technology of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, the Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, the Municipality of Lisbon, the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, the School of Sciences of the University of Minho, the University of Évora, and the University of Coimbra.

European Researchers’ Night returns tomorrow!


INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory together with the School of Sciences of the University of Minho (ECUM), hosts another edition of the European Researchers’ Night, with almost 50 free activities under the theme SCICLI – Science for Climate, at the Altice Forum Braga.

The official opening will be at 17h00, will be attended by INL Deputy Director-General, Professor Paulo Freitas, UMinho’s vice-rector for Research and Innovation, Eugénio Campos Ferreira, and ECUM president José González-Méijome, among others. From 16h00 to 24h00 it will be possible to discover, learn and experience science in a unique way.

Tomorrow children and adults will be able to understand the importance of mathematics in the fight against climate change or delve into the world of microplastics to understand their influence on aquatic ecosystems. Along the way, visitors will also discover soil or olive microbes, learn about alternatives to textile chemicals and reflect on visual problems arising from the digital age or the consequences of excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Between microscopes and other laboratory materials, the day will be long and promises a lot of fun. In the small auditorium, there are workshops to transform sunlight into electrical energy or to investigate the properties of light and these workshops will be followed, at 20h30, by a performance by Arte Total Performance school and they will explore the notion of choreographic space.

The European Researchers’ Night is a public event that takes place simultaneously in cities in 29 countries, bringing scientists and the public together. This European project consortium includes as partners the National Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Lisbon, the Nova School of Sciences and Technology of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, the Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, the Municipality of Lisbon, the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, the School of Sciences of the University of Minho, the University of Évora, and the University of Coimbra.

This is the “largest science party in Europe”, join us tomorrow at Altice Fórum Braga!

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INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory together with the School of Sciences of the University of Minho (ECUM), hosts another edition of the European Researchers’ Night, with almost 50 free activities under the theme SCICLI – Science for Climate, at the Altice Forum Braga.

The official opening will be at 17h00, will be attended by INL Deputy Director-General, Professor Paulo Freitas, UMinho’s vice-rector for Research and Innovation, Eugénio Campos Ferreira, and ECUM president José González-Méijome, among others. From 16h00 to 24h00 it will be possible to discover, learn and experience science in a unique way.

Tomorrow children and adults will be able to understand the importance of mathematics in the fight against climate change or delve into the world of microplastics to understand their influence on aquatic ecosystems. Along the way, visitors will also discover soil or olive microbes, learn about alternatives to textile chemicals and reflect on visual problems arising from the digital age or the consequences of excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Between microscopes and other laboratory materials, the day will be long and promises a lot of fun. In the small auditorium, there are workshops to transform sunlight into electrical energy or to investigate the properties of light and these workshops will be followed, at 20h30, by a performance by Arte Total Performance school and they will explore the notion of choreographic space.

The European Researchers’ Night is a public event that takes place simultaneously in cities in 29 countries, bringing scientists and the public together. This European project consortium includes as partners the National Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Lisbon, the Nova School of Sciences and Technology of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, the Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, the Municipality of Lisbon, the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, the School of Sciences of the University of Minho, the University of Évora, and the University of Coimbra.

This is the “largest science party in Europe”, join us tomorrow at Altice Fórum Braga!