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INL researchers Marisol Dias and Carlos Honrado selected for Falling Walls Lab Global Finale

Two researchers from INL have been selected to attend the prestigious global finale of the Falling Walls Lab competition in Berlin on November 7. From a total of 2,500 semi-finalists, Carlos Honrado and Marisol Dias are among the 100 finalists selected for the Global Finale. They succeeded from a competitive field of applicants in Europe, emerging as winners in international semi-finals in Berlin, Germany, and Wroclaw, Poland, respectively. After promoting its own 3-Minute Thesis competition at the INL Research Symposium, INL encouraged its early-career researchers to take part in the Falling Walls Lab contest. This initiative provided a trigger for participants to practice delivering impactful, concise presentations and gain recognition for their research efforts on an international scale. Falling Walls Lab is an acclaimed interdisciplinary pitch competition designed for students and early-career professionals, offering them a unique opportunity to showcase breakthrough ideas in just 3 minutes. Participants are challenged to present innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing global issues, judged by an expert jury based on creativity, potential impact, and presentation quality. Throughout the year, renowned academic institutions worldwide host local Falling Walls Labs, spotlighting regional talent and pioneering ideas. INL saw remarkable success in this year’s Falling […]

Stamp-sized microchip that imitates the human brain could speed up treatments for Alzheimer’s [republished]

A human brain-on-a-chip sounds like something from a science fiction film, a gadget powering its cyborg villain. Discover how INL’s innovative stamp-sized microchip is transforming healthcare and data security. Learn about this ultra-small technology and its impact on future applications. Chemical and biological engineer Dr Raquel Rodrigues at the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga, Portugal, believes that such a device will be key to developing more effective treatments for serious neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s. “The brain is a very complex and puzzling organ,” said Rodrigues. “We need electronic monitoring of cells and experimental parts so we can learn how it works.” Your brain on a chip Thanks to research funding from the EU, Rodrigues and fellow researchers at the INL were able to build a unique brain-emulating microchip as part of a two-year research effort called BrainChip4MED that concluded in February 2024. The research included a 12-month secondment to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, part of Harvard Medical School and pioneers in the development of organs-on-a-chip (OoC) and biosensors. The ingenious, thumbnail-sized device developed by the researchers looks similar to chips in computers or smartphones, but is much more complex. “ The brain is a very complex and […]

Spain Declares Three Days of National Mourning After Devastating Floods

Spain has entered a three-day period of national mourning after devastating floods on October 29 and 30 left multiple casualties and several people unaccounted for. President Pedro Sánchez’s official declaration, effective from midnight on Thursday, October 31, through midnight on Saturday, November 2, honours the victims and expresses deep condolences to their families and loved ones. The severe flooding, triggered by extraordinary rainfall, caused widespread damage, displacing families, damaging infrastructure, and straining emergency response resources. Spanish authorities are actively working to provide relief, locate missing people, and support affected communities in their efforts to rebuild. As one of the member states of the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Spain’s commitment to scientific and technological collaboration is well recognised on an international scale. This spirit of solidarity and resilience reflects not only the nation’s dedication to progress but also the profound compassion that unites INL’s member states, Spain and Portugal, during challenging times. This period of mourning serves as a collective tribute to the victims of this tragedy, with the entire nation standing alongside the families and communities affected by these devastating floods.

Innovative use of nanographenes achieves breakthrough in quantum modelling

A recent breakthrough in quantum materials research, published in Nature Nanotechnology, introduces a powerful platform for exploring and controlling topological phases in quantum systems. This study was performed by scientists at INL, Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, the Technical University of Dresden and Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics. INL researchers played a crucial role by providing the theoretical calculations essential to this advance. The international team developed a unique system of nanographene-based chains, whose building blocks are known as “Clar’s goblets”. Using a technique called ‘on-surface synthesis’, the researchers created alternating-exchange Heisenberg spin chains, allowing for targeted spin manipulation within a controlled structure. The Heisenberg model, a foundational concept in quantum mechanics, describes how spins (intrinsic angular momenta of particles like electrons) interact with one another. In this paper, the Heisenberg spin chains are specially constructed from linked Clar’s goblets, nanographenes where each part of the molecule (a “site” in the chain) hosts a spin. By covalently linking the Clar’s goblets, the researchers could precisely control properties such as chain length and exchange interactions at the atomic level. Scanning tunnelling microscopy further allowed the team to investigate the magnetic properties of these chains, monitoring […]

INL Director-General Participates in Catalonia Event on European Lab-to-Fab Transition

On October 25, 2024, Professor Clivia Sotomayor Torres, Director-General of INL, joined the event ‘Accelerating the Lab-to-Fab Transition of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies’, promoted by the Government of Catalonia, in Barcelona, Spain. Referring to the transfer of breakthrough innovations from research to production, ‘Lab-to-Fab’ initiatives are essential for scaling advanced manufacturing technologies, especially in the microelectronics field. Aligned with that purpose, the event convened leaders and experts in technology, research and innovation, focusing on the microelectronics industry. Aimed at advancing strategic collaborations, it provided a platform for promoting the Lab-to-Fab transition in semiconductor development. Collaboration took centre stage, fostering critical discussions among prominent European players in the semiconductor ecosystem. Part of a productive discussion on the importance of synergies, Professor Clivia participated in a round table on ‘Opportunities and Synergies in Diverse R&D Ecosystems’, moderated by Jose Antonio Garrido, Deputy Director-General of ICN2. The session included insights from Luis Fonseca, Director of the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (CSIC), Miquel Moretá, Associate Senior Researcher at the Barcelona Semiconductor Center, and Daniel Granados, Director of the Semiconductor Innovation Cluster of the Community of Madrid (CITT). Together, the panellists extolled the essential role of collaboration in advancing Lab-to-Fab transitions within the global semiconductor market. The involvement of INL represents a […]

Engineering the Future: Patrícia Sousa on the Challenges and Innovations in Micro and Nanotechnologies

Introducing Patrícia Sousa, a pioneering Research Engineer in Integrated Micro and Nanotechnologies at INL. With a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Porto, Patrícia has specialized in microfluidics and advanced fabrication techniques that address critical challenges in micro and nanotechnologies. Patrícia’s dedication extends beyond the lab, as she actively participates in public outreach initiatives, including the European Researcher’s Night and educational programs in local schools. There, she shares her expertise in accessible and inspiring ways, illustrating how nanotechnology can transform fields such as medicine, electronics, and sustainability. In this interview, Patrícia offers insight into her career journey, the challenges and triumphs in her work, and her passion for making science accessible and impactful for all. Could you briefly describe your academic and professional background in micro and nanotechnologies? My academic background includes a first degree in Chemical Engineering, from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto followed by a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering, also from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto. Since my PhD studies focused on microfluidics, at that time I started deepening my knowledge in the field of micro and nanotechnology and in particular, micro […]

INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory Achieves OECD Good Laboratory Practice Certification

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) celebrates a significant milestone as its Nanosafety Laboratory is officially recognized for meeting the demanding standards of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Principles of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). This certification, granted by the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ), highlights INL’s commitment to responsible innovation, establishing its laboratory as a trusted center for safe and credible nanotechnology research. Following an extensive review in May 2024, the certification assures that INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory complies with the highest international standards for testing and assessing nanomaterials, particularly for industrial and agricultural applications. The laboratory’s commitment to safe technological advancements aligns closely with INL’s mission to promote public health and environmental integrity. Leading the Way in Nanotechnology Safety With GLP certification, INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory is now validated for several essential testing areas in nanotechnology safety: This achievement is a testament to the dedicated efforts across INL’s teams, including the Alfaro-Moreno Research Group, the CQM Unit, and participants in the ERA-Chair Sinfonia and SbDToolbox projects. Contributing team members, including Filipa Lebre, Vânia Vilas-Boas, Andreia Carvalho, Ana Ribeiro, Nivedita Chatterjee, Catarina Gonçalves, Helena Macedo, Begoña Espiña, Marina Brito, Margaret Costa, Ana Teixeira, and Sadaf Almas, have driven essential […]

A Vision for the Future: INL Welcomes New Deputy Director-General

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) hosted an inspiring ceremony this week to introduce Professor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos as its new Deputy Director-General (DDG). This event, held at the INL headquarters, signals a significant step forward in the organisation’s quest for innovative advancement. The ceremony commenced with remarks from INL’s Director-General, Professor Clivia Sotomayor, who emphasised the strategic significance of Professor Jório’s appointment. She outlined key milestones for INL, including the rationalization of research themes, the introduction of a new Career System, and strengthened collaborations with Spanish institutions and local partners. Professor Sotomayor reaffirmed INL’s commitment to European initiatives, particularly the European Chips Act, aimed at boosting Europe’s competitiveness and resilience in the semiconductor sector. These developments set a promising foundation for INL’s future. Inmaculada Figueroa, President of the INL Council and representative of the Spanish Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Universities, expressed her support for Professor Jório and enthusiasm for INL’s innovative future under his and Professor Sotomayor’s guidance. Professor Madalena Alves, Head of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and Vice-President of the INL Council, highlighted the crucial role of new leadership for INL’s strategic success, underscoring the responsibility of all INL members to foster a robust and competitive organisation. Olga […]

Innovative water repellent material to cut waste in the auto industry

A groundbreaking project is underway to develop hydrophobic sleeves for painting robots, aimed at extending their lifespan and reducing waste in the automotive sector. Diana Alves, a researcher at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, is working in the GreenAuto Agenda, and is working towards the development of super-hydrophobic coatings, specifically tailored for the automotive industry. These coatings possess unique properties that repel water. Instead of spreading, droplets form into spheres and roll off the surface, preventing the accumulation of moisture. Currently, the sleeves need to be regularly replaced, generating non-reusable waste. However, with the addition of superhydrophobic coatings, paint would be repelled, significantly extending the lifespan of the sleeves. Many current solutions for hydrophobic protection depend on PFAS, a group of fluorinated compounds known for their toxicity and environmental persistence. These chemicals degrade very slowly, remaining in the environment for extended periods. Despite their widespread use, the long-lasting nature of PFAS makes them a growing concern for health and environmental safety. To address this issue, Diana Alves and Kolen’ko’s research group are developing an alternative solution using nanomaterials that provide the same superhydrophobic benefits without the use of fluorine-based chemicals. The morphological properties of nanomaterials are engineered to control […]

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INL in the Media

Nanowerk | Researchers uncover ultrafast energy flow in graphene

September 1, 2025

Nanowerk | Researchers synthesize and image single-walled CrI3 magnetic nanotubes, marking a key advance in quantum materials and low-dimensional magnetism

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