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Quantum dots: the nanoparticles behind the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023

As the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 was attributed to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov, INL acknowledges some of the work done by research groups using quantum dots: the chemical particles discovered and synthetized by these scientists. Quantum dots are nanoparticles with semiconducting properties. This means that their size directly influences their capacity to absorb and emit light in a range of specific colours. These particles are so small that their structure is largely governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. We can explain their functionality with a metaphor: the electron wave gets confined inside a ‘box’, i.e., inside the tiny particle, affecting its optical properties. So, regardless of being chemically identical, large quantum dots emit red light while the small ones emit blue. Independently, Ekimov and Brus were able to demonstrate and understand the size-dependent quantum effects in particles. Later on, Bawendi came up with the effective synthesis of quantum dots with well-defined size and with high optical quality. Synthetising quantum dots with different sizes and shapes is very important, since their applications vary according to their multiplicity. From medical imaging to everyday uses, like TVs with Qled screens, there’s ground for researching immense […]

INL congratulates the Nobel Prize Winners in Physics 2023

INL congratulates the Nobel prize winners in Physics 2023 Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier who were recognised “for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter.” At INL, the Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics (UBNP) group led by Jana Nieder takes advantage of the latest ultrafast laser technologies, not to create attosecond pulses, but to develop new biomedical imaging technologies. One of the key methods enabling the required pulse compression at the focus of a microscope, the d-scan technique, was co-invented by the Nobel laureate Anne l’Huillier, together with researchers from our close collaborators at University of Porto, counting with the team led by Helder Crespo, and their spin-off, Sphere Ultrafast Photonics, a company co-founded by Anne l’Huillier. The collaborative project ExtreMed, funded by ANI, demonstrated, together with our collaborators and researchers from UTAustin, the potential of ultrafast laser sources in bioimaging applications and medical research. The project was able to explore the versatility of such light sources that prove to enable label-free screening of 2D and 3D in vitro cancer models. The novel bioimaging technique allows deeper tissue imaging capabilities and the assessment of the therapeutic efficacy of drugs, opening the opportunity to speed up […]

Winners of the #ERN2023 Photo Competition

The #ERN2023 Photo Competition celebrated science, technology and art in the most creative way and the most eclectic mix of ideas, disciplines and perspectives creating the most far-reaching conversations, in-depth debates, and inspiring developments and playing an important role in making science accessible to a wide audience. This initiative occurred under the European Researchers’ Night 2023 event that took place on September 29, 2023, in different cities of Portugal – Braga, Coimbra, Lisboa and Évora and around Europe. In Braga, the main event happened at Altice Fórum Braga. This year’s motto was Science for Everyone – Sustainability and Inclusion. The #ERN2023 Photo Competition was an open competition and everyone was encouraged to capture scientific phenomena happening all around us and submit up to two original photographs in a unique category: ‘Science for Everyone – Sustainability and Inclusion’ (nano/micro images obtained through microscopes, images related to the labs, setups, sample preparation, simulations, everyday life related to science, etc.) All selected photos were evaluated by a jury composed of internal and external representatives from different areas. Please, find below the 3 winners: First place: HÉLDER FONSECA, PHOTO 30 2073: The ghost yellow room Second place: FREDILSON MELO, PHOTO 52 Bloom, Algae! Bloom! […]

September 29, marked the return of the European Researchers’ Night

Last Friday, September 29, marked the return of the European Researchers’ Night — the annual celebration of innovative research taking place simultaneously in more than 30 countries and 300 cities throughout Europe. The diverse programme gathered more than 400 researchers and included games, hands-on activities, interactive experiences, a ‘nano-quizz’ and ‘workshops’, where different areas such as chemistry, biology, physics, geology, mathematics, optometry, and biotechnology were crossed. These were just a few of the possible applications that ECUM – University of Minho and International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), many other partners introduced to more than 1400 visitors at Altice Fórum Braga. The audience defied all researchers with relevant questions and expressed genuine wonder as they saw “magic” happening before their eyes. This year, ‘Science for Everyone – Sustainability and Inclusion’ was the motto that framed an event committed to raising awareness about the role of science in achieving sustainability and inclusion goals among school students and different audiences, while identifying key societal concerns about climate change and sustainable growth and linking them to science-oriented solutions and proposals. This European project consortium includes as partners the National Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Lisbon, the Nova School of […]

MFS2023 Conference at INL

The International Conference Microscopy at the Frontiers of Science gathered around 200 professionals at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga – Portugal, to explore the latest breakthroughs in electron microscopy and their impact on life sciences, material sciences and structural biology. Counting on a multidisciplinary group of speakers sharing ground-breaking viewpoints, during this three-day journey, we had the opportunity to listen to 125 inspiring talks, have insightful discussions and dream about promising findings by experienced and young scientists, some of whom have received the SPMicros and SME Thesis Awards. The exchange of knowledge and the strengthening of scientific and technical collaborations made the MFS2023 a huge success.

OPTIRAS: Advancing Sustainability in Aquaculture

Today we are celebrating World Maritime Day! This celebration holds immense significance as it serves as a global platform for recognizing and celebrating the pivotal role of the maritime industry in connecting nations, facilitating international trade, and ensuring the world’s prosperity. INL continues to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and sustainability in various sectors, and one of the initiatives towards aquaculture sustainability is the OPTIRAS project. OPTIRAS, short for ‘Optimising RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) Technology in Europe’, is a pioneering project that focuses on enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of recirculating aquaculture systems. RAS technology is vital not only for efficient fish farming but also for minimising the environmental impact of aquaculture operations. These systems reduce water usage and help maintain water quality, ensuring the health of aquatic species and reducing pollution. OPTIRAS project aims to promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and best practices in recirculating aquaculture systems across Europe. Renato Gil, an INL researcher working on the project, recently gave an interview where he shed light on the innovative approaches being taken. To learn more about Renato Gil’s insights and the OPTIRAS project’s impact, you can watch his interview here. On World Maritime Day, and as an […]

European project FUNLAYERS: a boost for research in functional layered materials

In a concerted effort to advance research and innovation in layered materials, the European project FUNLAYERS (Functional Layered Materials for Advanced Applications) brings together three research institutions to make significant steps in the field of functional layered materials with broad applications. FUNLAYERS is a collaborative initiative involving INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, ALBA Synchrotron in Barcelona, Spain, and the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics in Halle, Germany, aiming to achieve the following key objectives: a) fostering a transnational research environment for layered materials, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange; b) enhancing the scientific and research capacity of INL; c) elevating research excellence in developing layered materials with applications in fields such as spintronics and energy storage; d) building strategic partnerships in the international research community, among industry stakeholders, policymakers, the business community, and the general public; e) creating a sustainable environment for future collaborations, ensuring that the advancements made in the field endure beyond the project’s duration. One of the highlights of the FUNLAYERS project is an upcoming workshop scheduled to take place from October 23-25, 2023, at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics in Halle, Germany. The workshop will bring together experts to discuss recent developments […]

European Researchers’ Night returns next week to Braga

The European Researchers’ Night 2023 – #ERN2023 will be back in Portugal, next week, with the theme “Science for All (SCIEVER) – Inclusion and Sustainability”, within a national consortium coordinated by the University of Lisbon, through the National Museum of Natural History and Science (MUHNAC), which also integrates the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, and the School of Sciences of the University of Minho. The initiative will take place on September 29th, between 4 pm and midnight, with a national online program and local activities in Braga, Coimbra, Lisbon and Évora. The theme of the European Researchers’ Night 2023 – ‘SCIEVER’ – will contribute simultaneously to two main objectives: (i) improving the understanding of the importance of scientific careers development and science investments; (ii) increasing researchers’ understanding of the role of society as a whole for sustainable science policies development. The goal of our consortium is to directly respond to Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) goals of the EU framework program by raising public awareness, also among school communities, about the relevance of science to assure resource preservation, decarbonization and inclusion and by bridging the gap between scientists and society, giving researchers the opportunity to perceive the main concerns […]

Conference on Tools and Tests for Safer-by-Design Nanomaterials at INL

The Conference on Tools and Tests for Safer-by-Design Nanomaterials, took place, this week, in Braga – Portugal, at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. This conference was organised by the SBDToolbox Project team and addressed the most promising methods and tools to obtain the relevant data encompassing the specific properties that differentiate nanomaterials from chemicals. We paid special attention to the particular needs of the diverse impact and application areas, namely health, food or environment and their relationship in the integrative context of ONE HEALTH. This unique event on Tools and Tests for Safer-by-Design Nanomaterials brought together researchers, policy-makers and industry in a full programme with insightful plenaries, invited talks, and networking opportunities.