INL Hosts High-Level Workshop on Advanced Materials for Medical Devices

Braga, Portugal | April 10–11, 2025 — The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) welcomed leading experts, policymakers, and innovators across Europe for a two-day workshop dedicated to Advanced Materials for Medical Devices.

Held under the Technology Council for Advanced Materials framework, established by the European Commission in November 2024, the event marked a significant step forward in shaping the future of health innovation in Europe.

The workshop, supported by the Council’s Subgroup on Future Priorities, served as a collaborative forum for exploring how advanced materials can unlock new possibilities in medical devices—while delivering tangible value to healthtech innovations and European citizens.

Irene Norstedt, Director for “People: Health & Society” at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, delivered the keynote introduction, highlighting the EU’s vision for innovation at the intersection of materials science and healthcare. She emphasised the key factors necessary for the successful adoption of new technologies in healthcare, including “the importance of addressing the needs of patients and carers, actively involving end-users, recognising the role of industry,” ensuring that industrial innovation aligns with clinical demand, and considering regulatory aspects from an early stage.

A Forward-Looking Programme

Over the course of two days, the programme featured a mix of expert panels, technical sessions, and high-level roundtables. Key interventions included those from Raymond Schiffelers, Chair of the European Technology Platform on Nanomedicine (ETPN); Federica Zanca from the European Innovation Council; Jurgen Tiedje, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s DG for Research and Innovation; Gianluca Fiori, Vice-Chair of the Innovative Advanced Materials Initiative; and Silvia Spriano, who leads the Materials for Health Working Group at the European Technology Platform on Advanced Engineering Materials and Technologies.

A recurring theme that resonated strongly with the audience was the idea that “industrial push should meet the clinical pull”—underscoring the importance of aligning innovation with real clinical needs. Another point raised throughout the sessions was the need for greater flexibility in funding mechanisms—particularly for intermediate Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)—and the importance of regulatory pathways that enable breakthrough technologies to reach the market swiftly without compromising safety.

The workshop concluded with a summary session led by Lorena Diéguez, Research Group Leader in Medical Devices at INL, alongside Ana Paula Pêgo from i3S and Manuel Montejo from Tecnalia.

The final closing remarks were delivered by Clivia Sotomayor Torres, INL Director-General, and Jurgen Tiedje, who underscored the importance of inclusive collaboration in shaping research and innovation priorities. “We must shape the European strategic agenda through stakeholder consultation,” he stated, reinforcing the workshop’s objective of fostering dialogue among key actors from across sectors.

An Open Invitation to Contribute

Throughout the event, participants were invited to share their insights via an interactive survey—accessible through QR codes displayed in the auditorium and lobby. The input gathered will directly inform the work of the Technology Council at its upcoming plenary session in June 2025, helping shape recommendations for European and national research and innovation agendas.

As the workshop concluded, the atmosphere was one of momentum, clarity, and renewed commitment to collaborative innovation. With advanced materials poised to transform medical technology, this event reaffirmed Europe’s leadership and ambition in the field.