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INL and BME announce the launch of a Joint Research Programme

INL and BME announce the launch of a Joint Research Programme

INL is pleased to announce the launch of a joint programme with the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). Scheduled to begin on 1 January 2026, the BME-INL collaboration initiative will support 5 research projects to be carried out over a period of 12 to 18 months. Last May, INL welcomed a prestigious Hungarian delegation, including representatives of the Embassy of Hungary in Lisbon and the BME. The meeting resulted in the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a significant landmark in the partnership of the two institutions. Following this commitment, INL and BME opened a call for proposals, inviting submissions for targeted, small-scale R&D activities, researcher exchanges (including competence transfer and PhD training), the creation of consortia, and support for joint research projects. After due assessment, by a bilateral evaluation committee, 5 scientific projects were approved to receive a €6,000 grant each. Covering themes such as plasmonic sensing, graphene surface functionalization, detection of microplastics in water, supramolecular assembly of graphene materials, and hybrid 2D catalytic heterostructures, the awarded projects are: :: Investigation of Novel Nanomaterial Systems for Plasmonics SensingLeaders: Attila Bonyár (BME VIK) and Sara Abalde (INL- Diéguez Research Group) :: Fluorescence detection of microplastics in aqueous mediaLeaders: […]

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INLer Sara Abalde-Cela wins ERC Consolidator Grant

INLer Sara Abalde-Cela wins ERC Consolidator Grant

INL is honoured to announce that one of its researchers, Dr. Sara Abalde-Cela has been awarded with the prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant. On November 9th, the European Research Council revealed the 349 mid-career researchers selected to receive a total of €728 million in Consolidator Grants. This year’s recipients, including Dr. Abalde-Cela, represent universities and research centres across 25 EU Member States and associated countries. The ERC grant, first established by the European Union in 2007, is Europe’s leading funding organisation for frontier research. Supported by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, the grants follow a bottom-up approach, enabling mid-career researchers in any field to pursue groundbreaking ideas. Consolidator Grants provide up to €2 million over five years. This year’s call attracted more than 3,000 applications, a 35% increase compared to last year. Dr. Sara Abalde-Cela, Research Scientist PI in the Diéguez group, earned the grant with her proposal titled “Deciphering multilevel cell-to-cell communication through microfluidic and plasmonic decoders” , marking the first ERC grant awarded to a researcher at INL. Academically, Dr. Abalde-Cela holds a PhD in Nanotechnology from University of Vigo and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cambridge. She joined INL in 2017, as an Marie Skłodowska-Curie […]

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Celebrating “20 Years of INL: The beginning of a vision”

Celebrating “20 Years of INL: The beginning of a vision”

On 28 November, INL proudly celebrated the 20th anniversary of the decision that gave rise to its campus. This event posed as a heartfelt tribute to a legacy of scientific excellence and the everlasting Iberian collaboration that defines INL’s mission. Adding to the prestige of the occasion, INL welcomed partner institutions, the Municipality of Braga, and distinguished governmental figures, including: :: Fernando Alexandre, Portugal’s Minister of Education, Science and Innovation :: Eva Ortega, Secretary General of Research of Spain :: João Rui Ferreira, Portugal’s Secretary of State for the Economy :: Helena Canhão, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Science and Innovation The ceremony began with an address by INL’s Director General, Clivia Sotomayor, who eloquently recalled the institution’s origins as a diplomatic vision, created to unite Portugal and Spain in the noble pursuit of scientific progress. Her words set the tone for a day dedicated to honouring the past while embracing the future. Following her remarks, the afternoon went on to feature inspiring speeches from INL leaders, a captivating theatrical performance, and presentations from the Postgraduate School, the Early-Stage Researchers Association, and the Research Board, underscoring two decades of innovation and global impact. As the event drew to a close, […]

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Nanostars push SERS sensing to new performance levels

Nanostars push SERS sensing to new performance levels

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has become a powerful tool for ultrasensitive and rapid chemical analysis. Its effectiveness comes from how light interacts with tiny metallic structures, generating electromagnetic fields that dramatically strengthen the Raman signal. However, turning this principle into reliable and scalable sensing platforms has been a long-standing challenge, limiting wider use of SERS in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and molecular biosensing (if you would like to learn more about the current challenges of taking SERS into real-world applications, you can also read a previous review article published by the group). In a study led by Sara Abalde-Cela, INL researchers from the Diéguez group have developed a plasmonic substrate that notably improves the stability and reproducibility of SERS-based sensing. Their work, published in Advanced Optical Materials, introduces a fabrication approach that combines precision nanopatterning with controlled chemical growth. The process begins with electron beam lithography to create highly regular nanodisk arrays. These disks are then transformed into nanostars with sharp tips capable of producing extremely strong electromagnetic fields, leading into “hot spots”. “Compared to nanodisks, which produce weaker and more homogeneous field enhancements, the nanostars show highly localised electromagnetic intensification at their tips,” explains Sara Abalde-Cela. “Both simulations, […]

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Portuguese Secretary of State for Digitalisation Visits INL

Portuguese Secretary of State for Digitalisation Visits INL

On 20th November 2025, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory welcomed the Secretary of State for Digitalisation of Portugal, Mr Bernardo Correia, for a visit aimed at highlighting the laboratory’s pivotal role in advancing Portugal’s digital agenda. The programme started with a presentation led by Professor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos, INL’s Deputy Director-General, which was then joined by Dr Ivan Prieto, Head of Micro and Nanofabrication Facilities, and Mr Marcelo Viegas, Cybersecurity Lead. The session represented an opportunity to reinforce INL’s strengths, research priorities and its contributions to European technological development. A crucial moment of the visit was the tour to INL’s research facilities and laboratories, where the Secretary of State gained insight into the work conducted across the groups. Dr Prieto presented the Micro and Nanofabrication facilities, whilst Dr Alex Jenkins demonstrated the Spintronics Laboratory’s innovative research. Afterwards, Dr Enrique Carbo guided the delegation through the Electron Microscopy and X-Ray facilities and Dr Marco Martins showcased the Technology Engineering Group’s technological achievements. Marking a milestone in the ongoing discussions, the visit proved to be a success by reinforcing the role of research infrastructures in fostering a prosperous society grounded in digital transformation. Therefore, a strong commitment to deepening collaboration at […]

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Becoming a learning hub: INFRACHIP Research Accelerator hosted at INL

Becoming a learning hub: INFRACHIP Research Accelerator hosted at INL

From 18 to 20 November, INL transformed into an insightful learning hub for early-career researchers, as it proudly hosted the INFRACHIP Research Accelerator Programme. The short course on “Micro/Nanofabrication and Characterisation for Nanoelectronics” brought together 5 external early-stage researchers and 8 INLers, eager to deepen their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in advanced nanofabrication and nanocharacterisation techniques. About the programme This intensive training forms part of the broader INFRACHIP initiative, a platform designed to expand access to nanoelectronics infrastructures and strengthen the European research ecosystem. By sponsoring PhD students and early-stage postdoctoral researchers, INFRACHIP encourages participants to apply for transnational access to facilities available through their network, integrating these advanced, and newly acquired skills into their research. Training at INL At INL, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of theoretical lectures and live demonstrations across two core facilities: Micro and Nanofabrication (MNF) and Electron Microscopy and X-Rays (EMX). From the MNF facilities, INL experts Carlos Calaza, Jérôme Borne, Paulo Coelho, and André Cardoso delivered lectures on fundamental processes in micro- and nanofabrication, including deposition, patterning (optical and electron beam lithography), and etching (RIE). Beyond theory, Helder Fonseca and José Rodrigues challenged participants to fabricate a wafer featuring the INL and […]

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The ESRA Symposium Returns For a Dynamic 2nd Edition

The ESRA Symposium Returns For a Dynamic 2nd Edition

Following its successful inaugural session last year, the ESRA Symposium made a vibrant return to INL for its second edition on 11 and 12 November. Organised by the Early-Stage Researchers Association, the event is dedicated to championing the professional growth of early-career scientists. Eager to share their innovative work, master’s students, PhD candidates, and junior researchers gathered for two days of knowledge exchange and networking. The symposium opened with an inspiring address by Prof. Ado Jório, who emphasised the importance of the initiative in empowering the careers of early-stage researchers. Participants, then, showcased their work through engaging oral communications and poster presentations, creating a lively atmosphere filled with insightful discussions on innovation. Setting a captivating tone, the programme featured two keynote talks. First to take the stage was Prof. Luís Arnaut, from the University of Coimbra, founder and board member of Luzitin SA, and founder and chairman of Laserleap Technologies, who delivered a compelling presentation on “The Making of an Investigational New Drug – The Case of Redaporfin”. Later, attendees heard from Luís Sarmento, co-founder and CEO of Inductiva AI, who shared his perspective on “Start-ups, Simulations, and Surprises”. The symposium saw an impressive level of participation, with 180 total […]

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Joana Araújo Honoured with Best Shotgun Poster Award at International Caparica Conference PTIM

Joana Araújo Honoured with Best Shotgun Poster Award at International Caparica Conference PTIM

INL is honoured to announce that Joana Araújo, a member of the Kolen’ko research group, has been awarded the prize for Best Poster Presentation at the 6th International Caparica Conference on Pollutant Toxic Ions & Molecules. Held biennially in Costa de Caparica, Portugal, this prestigious event brings together leading experts from the environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, and health research communities. The conference serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing latest technologies, innovative methodologies, and advances in pollution detection, contamination control, and remediation. The sixth edition of the conference took place from 2 to 6 November, featuring an extensive programme of plenary lectures, keynote presentations, oral communications, and poster sessions. Joana Araújo earned her recognition in the Shotgun Poster category, receiving a certificate and a gift from the PROTEOMASS Scientific Society. Her award-winning poster, titled “Covalent Organic Frameworks and Composites for Efficient Adsorption of Pharmaceuticals in Natural Waters”, explored the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and COF-based composites as efficient adsorbents for monitoring and removing persistent pharmaceutical contaminants from natural water sources. Further contributions from the Espiña Research Group strengthened INL’s presence at the conference. Begoña Espiña, the group leader, delivered a plenary lecture, while Miguel Sousa presented a poster […]

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INL and UMinho Transfer Cutting-Edge Graphene Diagnostic Technology to IPLEXMED

INL and UMinho Transfer Cutting-Edge Graphene Diagnostic Technology to IPLEXMED

Today, 13 November, INL and UMinho have signed a landmark technology licensing agreement with IPLEXMED, marking a significant step in the commercialisation of cutting-edge medical diagnostic solutions. The concession was formalised during the Research and Innovation Open Days at UMinho, in Session 6: “From Bench to Market: Intellectual Property Licence Agreement between IPLEXMED, INL and UMinho”, held at 13:30. Under this licence, IPLEXMED, a spin-out company specialising in advanced medical diagnostics, gains the rights to commercialise a pioneering technology developed jointly by INL and UMinho. This innovation features functionalised graphene sensors capable of detecting malaria and other diseases through non-invasive methods. By enabling rapid and accurate detection of pathogens in saliva or urine samples, this breakthrough has the potential to transform global health efforts. The technology was developed under the MULTIMAL project, funded by HORIZON 2020, and patented by INL and UMinho in 2024. At its core are monolayer graphene FET sensors, delivering attomolar-level sensitivity while remaining safe for deployment in tropical environments. Ultimately, this landmark moment not only promises to positively impact the healthcare field, but also carries deep symbolic meaning. As Prof. Ado Jório, Deputy Director-General of INL, noted: “The logo of INL represents a graphene-like structure, and […]

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