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INL Welcomes Microscopy Enthusiasts for International Day of Light Celebration

INL Welcomes Microscopy Enthusiasts for International Day of Light Celebration

The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory opened its doors this May to welcome microscopy enthusiasts, researchers at all career stages, engineers, and university students, particularly from the fields of science and engineering, in a grand celebration of the International Day of Light (#IDL2024). The event, which marked a global initiative highlighting the importance of light and optical technologies in science, culture, and sustainable development, provided a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the fascinating world of microscopy. The INL’s celebration of #IDL2024 was not only an educational event but also a platform for fostering collaboration and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. By bringing together a diverse group of participants, INL demonstrated its commitment to promoting scientific literacy and innovation. As the event concluded, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the role of light in scientific discovery and a renewed passion for their respective fields. The success of the event underscored the importance of community engagement in science and the ongoing efforts of INL to support and inspire future advancements in nanotechnology and beyond. For more information about upcoming events at INL, please visit our website and follow us on social media. + www.inl.int

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New sustainable graphene production developed at INL

New sustainable graphene production developed at INL

The rising demand for portable electronics, e-textiles, and IoT devices has driven the need for lightweight technologies and miniaturized energy storage solutions. Graphene-based nanomaterials are at the forefront of extensive research due to their chemical stability, high surface area, strength, flexibility, and superior thermal and electrical conductivity. Supercapacitors, known for their fast charge-discharge rates, long lifespan, and simple structure, are becoming essential for energy storage in electronics, electric vehicles, and biomedical devices. They operate by storing charges through the adsorption and desorption of ions at electrode interfaces, achieving power densities over 10,000 W/kg. Microsupercapacitors, which are smaller and lighter versions, are particularly suitable for portable and wearable electronics, offering even higher power densities. The high electrical conductivity and surface area of specific graphene materials make them ideal for these applications. However, current production methods present toxicity and scalability issues that have limited their widespread use. Additionally, the materials need to comply with the requirements of deposition techniques able to guarantee reasonable production throughput. Now, INL researchers have developed a sustainable approach to produce an electrically conductive, graphene-based paste suitable for fabricating flexible devices. The results are reported today in the journal Nano Energy, in a paper by INL researchers, in collaboration with the […]

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INL Open Day 2024: A Celebration of Science and Community

INL Open Day 2024: A Celebration of Science and Community

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the INL Open Day turned into an extraordinary adventure, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of visitors and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers and researchers. The event welcomed over 1,000 visitors from all corners of the globe, offering them a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of being a scientist for a day. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in 30 hands-on experiments, guided by more than 100 volunteers, researchers, and INL staff members. This immersive experience allowed visitors to explore the vast potential of scientific inquiry and innovation within an environment that nurtures greatness. Participants had the chance to meet our researchers and delve into our state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insights into our unique ecosystem and vibrant community. This event not only showcased the exciting work happening at INL but also reinforced our commitment to enhancing the communities we serve. The INL Open Day was a testament to the power of science to inspire and connect people from diverse backgrounds. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us on this exceptional and enriching day. Your presence and enthusiasm made the event truly memorable. Thank you for celebrating with us, and we look forward to […]

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European Neuromorphic Computing Event Draws 100 Participants to Bridge Research and Innovation

European Neuromorphic Computing Event Draws 100 Participants to Bridge Research and Innovation

Yesterday, Braga, Portugal, played host to a pivotal event in the field of neuromorphic computing, attracting a diverse array of 100 participants. The gathering, which brought together representatives from ten ongoing European research projects on neuromorphic computing alongside two leading companies in the field, aimed to foster collaboration and innovation. At the core of the event was the mission to bridge the gap between scientifically sound technologies and practical innovation in neuromorphic computing. By merging discussions on technologies at different stages of maturity, organizers sought to identify common approaches and best practices for advancing these technologies in Europe. Key topics of discussion included exploring available tools and addressing challenges that artificial neural networks and systems face within the realm of neuromorphic computing. Representative examples from participating projects covered a spectrum of neuromorphic approaches, including electronics, spintronics, photonics, and other emerging materials often integrated with CMOS technology. These cutting-edge technologies find applications across various domains, including computer vision, edge AI, sensing, computing, high-frequency data processing, deep learning, security applications, and signal regeneration. Beyond formal sessions, participants engaged in informal discussions during a social dinner, fostering networking opportunities and collaboration beyond the confines of structured meetings. The event not only provided a […]

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INL researchers are integrating light and AI to advance nanotechnology

INL researchers are integrating light and AI to advance nanotechnology

‘What if the brains of future robots are powered by light?’ This was one of the questions INL researcher Bejoys Jacob has been trying to answer during the past years at INL. As artificial intelligence, also known as AI, continues to revolutionise society, scientists are exploring innovative ways to power the brains of future robots. Traditional computer architectures, such as the von Neumann architecture, demand substantial energy consumption to execute AI algorithms. In light of the increasing demand for AI tools and the global push for sustainable energy solutions, researchers are seeking alternative computational architectures inspired by the human brain. At INL, the focus has been on developing a revolutionary architecture powered by light. This ambitious project involves the creation of miniaturised light sources, detectors, and photonic interconnects for a novel photonic integrated circuit architecture. As part of this initiative, Bejoys, who is pursuing a PhD at INL, in the Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics group, in collaboration with Charles III University of Madrid (UC3M), is developing nano- and micro-LEDs based on GaAs III-V semiconductor materials. These LEDs mimic neuronal activity through optical/electrical signals, paving the way for advanced brain-inspired computational architectures. Bejoys explains that “the devices developed through this research […]

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12th Congress of SciComPt Network Addresses Accessibility in Science Communication

12th Congress of SciComPt Network Addresses Accessibility in Science Communication

Yesterday, the halls of the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory echoed the vibrant discussions of scientists, communication professionals, and engaged citizens. The occasion? The highly anticipated 12th Congress of the SciComPt network, themed “Accessibility in Science Through Diverse Languages and Voices.” With a packed auditorium, the congress marked a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for inclusivity in the scientific arena. The event aimed to confront the urgent need for improved accessibility in science communication, recognizing that the responsibility of science extends far beyond the confines of laboratory walls. In today’s fast-paced society, merely granting access to scientific publications is insufficient in empowering citizens to fully engage with scientific knowledge. As science ventures into increasingly intricate and ethically nuanced territories, bridging the gap between scientific expertise and public comprehension becomes paramount. Against this backdrop, the congress emerged as a beacon of hope, shedding light on the pivotal role of science communication in nurturing a more inclusive scientific community. From fostering ongoing dialogues between scientists and society to addressing sensory limitations and diversifying communication channels, the congress explored a myriad of strategies to enhance accessibility in science. Tomorrow, May 10th, the congress enters its final day at the University of […]

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André Araújo, an Electronics Engineer among Physicists

André Araújo, an Electronics Engineer among Physicists

André is a Research Engineer working in the Spintronics Research group at INL, and his focus is to provide technical hands-on expertise on advanced embedded systems and techniques, delivering solutions to interface sensors developed by the group. André holds an MSc in Electrical and Electronical Engineering from Universidade do Minho, specialising in embedded systems and technology systems and information. What are you currently focusing on in your work? Spintronics is a research group that has at its core the creation and fabrication of nanodevices, these devices comprise magneto-resistive sensors, oscillators, memristors and so on. Besides these research lines, there was always the need and interest to take this technology to the real world, testing it in a wide range of fields, and having industrial applications as the major target. Within this context, the group developed internally a hardware solution to acquire data from magneto-resistive sensors and software to accompany it, to serve as a data logger, a real-time data visualizer and an interpreter of data, both in time and frequency domains. The data can be analyzed, processed with filters and can be fed to AI algorithms to detect events and patterns which are relevant to the end user.  The need to […]

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INL researchers awarded funding to develop an automated sensor to detect emerging viruses

INL researchers awarded funding to develop an automated sensor to detect emerging viruses

Zoonotic infectious diseases, i.e. diseases that transmit from animals to humans, are on the rise, and the potential for a new pandemic is more significant than ever. It is imperative to develop advanced technologies capable of continuous monitoring to identify high-risk zones for pathogen transmission between animals and humans. This requirement is essential to mitigate the potential human, socio-political, and economic impact of pandemics. The global initiative ‘One Health’ advocates collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health professionals to address health challenges. Its goal is to comprehend and prevent zoonotic diseases, while fostering a holistic approach to global health. Although the European Parliament calls for continuous surveillance and harmonised data collection from animal farms, current practices fall short for continuous and automatic detection, limiting detection to specific and already known pathogens. FLUFET, which stands for ‘FLow detection of virUses by graphene Field Effect Transistor microarrays’, is the new EIC Pathfinder project with a goal to develop a novel approach for the detection of viruses. It will be the first automated sensor capable of continuously detecting a broad spectrum of viral targets, including unknown viruses. This revolutionary sensor, combining technologies and knowledge from different fields, such as graphene field effect transistors […]

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XVI UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference – Mayors Meeting

XVI UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference – Mayors Meeting

Created in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) aims to foster cooperation with and among cities that recognize creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. The UCCN is currently composed of 295 cities. Braga joined the network in 2017, becoming the only representative city in Media Arts in the Iberian Peninsula. With a resolute focus on ’20 years of UCCN: bringing youth to the table for the next decade’, the Conference underscores the critical imperative to harness the power of creativity and culture in building resilient and inclusive cities around the world. It stresses the importance of involving young minds in shaping this future.  At the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference hosted by Braga, the goal is to spotlight how creativity in cities empowers lively and sustainable urban life, influences future cities for the next generations, and fosters the expression of cultural diversity.  Additionally, it draws attention to the importance of creative solutions and culture-oriented practices in propelling the state of sustainable development. Furthermore, it sheds light on the role of culture in today’s society within the city’s context, emphasising its global recognition as a public good.  On July 3rd, INL will host a meeting where, approximately, 180 Mayors […]

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