News

Go to Inl in the News

COVID-19 EVENTS FUNDED PROJECTS GENERAL INL PICKS INNOVATION MOST POPULAR PEOPLE RESEARCH SCALE EXPERIENCES SCALE TRAVELS SPOTLIGHT WOMEN IN SCIENCE WOMEN IN STEM

João Braga, working on the valorisation of mining by-products and used batteries

Meet João Braga. He joined the Nanochemistry research group at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory as a Research Engineer in January 2024 and is currently working on the Electrochemical investigation and valorization of lithium hydroxide and carbonate from mining. He holds a B.Sc. degree (2016) in Bioengineering from Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro and an M.Sc. degree (2020) in Biomedical Engineering from the same university. Could you provide some insights into your background and primary focus in your field of work? I have a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering and a master’s degree in biomedical engineering oriented towards biomaterials. My master’s thesis consisted of using electrochemical techniques to implement room-temperature prepared gold nanoparticles as enhancing agents in an aptasensor. These particles showed a very promising behaviour in oxygen a hydrogen peroxide reduction, which could be an added value to optimize mining techniques. I joined the INL Nanochemistry group aiming towards the valorisation of mining by-products and used batteries through the recovery of metals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which have been gaining market value due to the growing battery industry, to effectively reintroduce these materials in the chain of value and thus minimize the environmental footprint of their […]

Detecting objects without any physical interaction – reality or science fiction?

INL researchers have explored a fascinating quantum ability which lacks a classical explanation: the capacity to detect objects without traditional physical interaction. Rafael Wagner and Anita Camillini, INL PhD candidates, alongside the research group-leader Ernesto F. Galvão, have published a paper describing the revolutionary approach that challenges conventional concepts of detection. Imagine being able to identify something without actually touching it – similarly to diagnosis a hidden fracture without an X-ray or recognising a distant voice without hearing it directly. This study explores how quantum computers can achieve that, and detect objects without direct interaction. Rafael Wagner explains “It has been known for a long time that it is possible to detect things without interactions, as a result of the famous thought experiment introduced by Elitzur and Vaidman. They imagined an extreme situation where either there is a bomb in one of the arms of an interferometer, or there is no bomb.” Interferometers are tools used in many fields of science and engineering. The working principle of interferometry consists on splitting the light into two beams that travel different optical paths and are then combined to produce an interference pattern. Their scenario presents an unusual premise: within an interferometer setup, […]

INL hosts the 3-Minute Thesis competition, showcasing Doctoral Research talent

Last week, INL organised its highly anticipated Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, providing an exciting showcase of doctoral research excellence. The 3MT is an initiative that celebrates the exciting research conducted by INL PhD candidates. The 3MT aims to develop early stage researchers’ presentation and research communication skills. It provides support for PhD candidates to effectively explain their research and its significance in just three minutes, using language suitable for a non-specialist audience. Embracing the challenge of condensing months/years of rigorous study into a mere three minutes, 24 PhD candidates from diverse research areas at INL stepped up to the INL auditorium, aiming to captivate the audience of 100+ attendees. The three rounds were held on March 26th, 27th, and 28th. After intense deliberation, the top five candidates were nominated, with their presentations showcasing both academic rigor and compelling storytelling. Alexandra Alves, PhD candidate in the Quantum and Linear-Optical Computation group, highlighted the significance of accessible science communication, stating, “As PhD students we often present our work to expert audiences, but more approachable science communication is lacking. So it was both challenging and fun to try to condense my research topic into 3 minutes and for a diverse crowd.” For […]

#ISFGM2024 – International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials at INL

Excitement is building as the 17th International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials – #ISFGM2024 prepares to convene at the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal. Mark your calendars for September 29 to October 2, 2024, as this groundbreaking event promises to bring together leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals from around the globe. Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) represent a revolutionary approach to material science, where the micro- and/or nanostructure is manipulated to create non-uniform distributions of different phases. This innovative technique enables the development of materials with diverse spatial or time-dependent properties within a single component, offering multi-functionality and sensitivity to various external stimuli. With applications spanning biomedical, automotive, aerospace, mechanical, civil, nuclear, and naval engineering, FGMs have garnered immense interest from both academia and industry. #ISFGM2024 serves as a vital platform for scientists and engineers from diverse disciplines, including engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine, to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore the latest advancements in this dynamic field. The symposium will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, and poster presentations, providing ample opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Attendees can expect to engage in discussions on state-of-the-art techniques, recent developments, and emerging trends […]

INL Opens its doors to the public for a day of scientific exploration – #INLOPENDAY2024

INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory invites you to a day of discovery and exploration on May 18, 2024, in Braga, Portugal. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the cutting-edge research and innovation happening within our renowned institution. Visitors will have the chance to meet our esteemed researchers and delve into the fascinating world of nanotechnology. Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, interact with our scientists, and learn about the groundbreaking projects shaping the future of science and technology. At INL, we believe in the power of collaboration and community. This event not only showcases our commitment to excellence in research but also serves as a platform to strengthen our ties with the communities we serve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who join us on this exceptional day of scientific discovery. Together, let us embark on a journey into the realm of science, where possibilities are boundless and innovation knows no bounds. For more information and to register for this event, please click here. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an enriching and inspiring experience at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. We look forward to welcoming you!

Sadaf Almas, effective audit facilitation and continuous improvement initiatives

We aim to shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of women at INL spanning different fields and career stages. Join us as we honour their accomplishments, share their stories, and ignite inspiration for the upcoming generation of female scientists. Meet Sadaf Almas. She works as a Quality systems Assistant in the Quality and Coordination unit at INL and she coordinates and inspects the core departments at INL to ensure the quality management systems consistency in terms of quality, validity, and reliability with study bases, facility-based and process-based approaches. Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? In my role within the Quality department, I play a crucial role in ensuring adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, particularly in the context of Nanosafety laboratories. My primary responsibility revolves around facilitating GLP audits, employing principles established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). First and foremost, I work closely with Nanosafety to develop comprehensive audit schedules aligned with OECD guidelines. This involves collaborating with INLers to ensure that all pertinent aspects of GLP are covered, from facility infrastructure to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data management protocols. Before conducting audits, I review existing documentation […]

Prev 1 2 3 4 … 159 Next