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Celebrating 5 years of Nanosafety excellence at INL: the legacy of the SINFONIA Project

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) proudly celebrates the successful conclusion of the SiNfONiA Project, marking five years of groundbreaking progress in nanosafety research under the leadership of Dr. Ernesto Alfaro-Moreno, ERA Chair in Nanosafety. Launched in 2020 and co-funded by the Horizon Europe programme, SINFONIA laid the foundation for a dedicated Nanosafety Research Group at INL — now recognized for its scientific excellence, regulatory relevance, and global reach. Over its five-year trajectory, the project has: + Established a state-of-the-art nanosafety research infrastructure at INL; + Achieved OECD Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) accreditation, the first for our institution; + Built a robust international network across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and North America; + Coordinated and participated in major EU-funded projects aligned with responsible innovation in nanotechnologies; In a closing interview, Dr. Alfaro-Moreno reflects on the project’s transformative impact: “SINFONIA was not just about scientific output. It was about creating a lasting ecosystem for nanosafety, combining capacity building, regulatory standards, and international cooperation.” The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the project’s evolution, milestones, and what lies ahead for INL’s Nanosafety Group, including a continued focus on human health, environmental risk assessment, and emerging regulatory frameworks. SINFONIA’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and vision — […]

Bridging Theory and Experiment: A Conversation with Luísa Madail

Welcome to our Quantum Spotlight Series, where we explore the stories and insights of researchers contributing to the rapidly evolving world of quantum science. Today, we’re joined by Luísa Madaíl, a Research Assistant in the Theory of Quantum Nanostructures group at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL). With a background in theoretical physics and a deep curiosity about the electronic properties of novel materials, Luísa shares how her academic path, current research, and personal reflections all intersect in her journey through the quantum frontier. How did your academic journey and early career experiences shape your role as a Research Assistant at INL? My research in theoretical physics began on understanding the role of topology in condensed matter physics, particularly studying the electronic properties of analytically solvable artificial materials with topological behavior. During this time, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with a research group on open many-body quantum systems, mainly focusing on developing numerical techniques for out-of-equilibrium dynamics and validating quantum devices through experiments with neutral atoms, trapped ions, and solid-state systems. In 2020, I started my PhD and since then, my work has centered on exploring the electronic properties of two-dimensional real materials based on nanographenes. This background has contributed […]

PV magazine | Improving solar windows via microfabrication techniques

INL ESRA Career Fair 2025 powered by FUNLAYERS

Date: September 17, 2025Location: INL (International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory)Type: Career Development & Networking Event About the Event The inaugural INL ESRA Career Fair is designed to connect emerging talent with leading companies, innovative startups, and cutting-edge research centres. This inspiring afternoon event focuses on exploring diverse career pathways and building meaningful professional relationships within the innovation ecosystem. Featured Programming Roundtable Discussion: “Bridging Worlds: Career Paths for Innovators” Join three distinguished speakers for an engaging conversation about how innovation shapes careers across different sectors: This interactive session will feature personal insights, open dialogue, and dedicated time for audience questions, exploring the intersection of academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Opportunity Spotlight Companies, startups, and research centres will present their organisations and showcase available career opportunities, giving attendees direct access to potential employers and collaborators. Networking Opportunities The event is structured to facilitate natural connections through coffee breaks and a closing cocktail reception, creating a relaxed environment for meaningful professional conversations and idea exchange. Pre-Event Workshop Workshop: “Level Up Yourself: Skills, CV & LinkedIn”Presenter: ChaperoneDate: September 10, 2025Location: Auditorium Paulo Freitas This preparatory session will help participants optimise their CVs, enhance their LinkedIn profiles, and develop effective networking strategies to maximise their Career Fair […]

Magnetic 1D van der Waals heterostructure

A new spin on magnetism: INL researchers create 1D magnetic nanotubesResearchers at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga, Portugal, have achieved a major breakthrough at the intersection of quantum materials and nanotechnology. In a new study published in Communications Chemistry, they report the synthesis and atomic-scale characterisation of high-quality, single-walled hollow magnetic CrI₃ nanotubes – a landmark advance in the control of low-dimensional magnetism. What distinguishes this work is the confinement of the iconic layered ferromagnet CrI₃ within the innermost cavities of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This structural innovation yields truly 1D magnetic heterostructures with unprecedented aspect ratios. “This is not just a structural feat, it’s a conceptual leap forward to develop a fully isolated, truly 1D magnetic heterostructure.”, says the first author Ihsan Çaha. Exploring magnetic states This study raises new questions about magnetism at the nanoscale. Using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the ALBA Synchrotron in Spain, the researchers observed unusual magnetic behavior in the CrI₃ nanotubes. “Our XMCD results carried out at ALBA synchrotron show that chromium atoms retain magnetism, but act like paramagnets with minimal remanence,” explains Aqrab ul Ahmad. “This behaviour hints at an intriguing suppression of long-range magnetic order, until now, unexplored.” Theoretical insight […]

Paula Campos on Science, Innovation, and Shaping the Future of Maternal Health

Since joining INL in April 2024, Paula Campos has been an integral part of the Espiña Research Group, contributing to the development of electrochemical biosensors for intrapartum monitoring. Her current research focuses on detecting lactate levels in amniotic fluid, a key indicator of fetal distress, with the goal of enabling faster, more personalised clinical decisions during labor. With a PhD in Chemistry from Durham University (UK), Paula has built a career at the intersection of bioelectrochemistry, materials science, and health innovation. Her postdoctoral work took her across institutions in Denmark (iNANO, Aarhus University), Portugal (REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP), and Belgium (CMST, Ghent University). She also spent time in Beijing (NCNST), researching amyloidosis pathways linked to neurodegenerative diseases. In this interview, Paula reflects on her international research journey, the promise of biosensors in clinical settings, and the importance of inclusion and curiosity in science. Your research has spanned multiple institutions and countries, how have these experiences shaped your scientific approach? Working in diverse research environments across the UK, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal has given me a broad and multidisciplinary perspective that goes beyond a single research field. Each institution has shaped my scientific knowledge in unique ways, from fundamental research at Durham to more translational work. These experiences have not only strengthened my communication skills […]

Intelligent biosensor developed at INL combines NMR and AI to improve infectious disease diagnostics

In the fight against infectious diseases, rapid and accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment and control. INL researchers have developed a breakthrough biosensor that combines cutting-edge nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology with artificial intelligence. This portable device not only speeds up diagnosis but also provides detailed insights into the immune response, opening new possibilities for point-of-care testing. The study, led by Juan Gallo and Weng Kung Peng published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics, demonstrates how this innovative approach can detect viral infections and monitor patient recovery faster and more precisely than traditional methods, all within a compact, user-friendly system. The technology uses magnetic nanoparticles specifically designed to detect viral particles, as well as the immune response they trigger in the body. When these nanoparticles bind to target molecules in a small biological sample, they cause measurable changes in the sample’s magnetic properties. These changes are captured by the portable NMR system and translated into meaningful diagnostic information using machine learning models. “What sets this system apart is its ability to offer a more complete picture of the patient’s status,” explains Juan Gallo. “It doesn’t just tell you if someone is infected – it can help determine whether they […]

INL Open Day 2025: A Celebration of Science, Innovation, and Community

Last Saturday, INL welcomed more than 800 visitors of diverse nationalities for a day filled with curiosity, discovery, and joy. Families, students, researchers, and science enthusiasts of all ages came together to experience what it’s like to be a scientist for a day and the energy throughout the building was unforgettable. Across the INL campus, guests explored interactive exhibits and live demonstrations that brought science to life, from fluid dynamics and 3D printing to nano-enabled food and health technologies. In the “NanoPlanet: Fixing the Future” area, visitors discovered how nanotechnology is addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, boosting sustainability, energy storage, and public health. The Kids Zone provided a space where younger visitors could build molecules, explore science hands-on, and enjoy the new INL kids’ book, designed to spark curiosity through storytelling. Art and science merged in Pepto Playground, a performance by the Foqacia project in collaboration with Arte Total. Inspired by the paradoxes of quantum physics, the dancers moved through shifting pink landscapes and invisible forces, inviting audiences to reflect on uncertainty, presence, and transformation. INL researchers also presented impactful projects, from 3DSecret’s pioneering cancer research using microfluidic platforms to national innovation efforts like NGS Storage and GreenAuto, which aim to shape the future of clean energy and mobility. Guests found […]

INL Hosts First Edition of Falling Walls Lab Portugal, Showcasing Bold Ideas with Global Potential

Yesterday afternoon, June 11, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), in Braga, proudly hosted the first edition of Falling Walls Lab Portugal, bringing to the stage five semi-finalists with bold, breakthrough ideas aiming to shape the future of science and society. The event is part of the global Falling Walls initiative, a renowned competition that gives early-career researchers, innovators, and visionaries the opportunity to present their work in just three minutes, in a dynamic and high-impact format. The semi-finalists at the INL edition presented proposals ranging from novel treatments for breast and lung cancer, to strategies addressing neuroinflammation, promoting scientific inclusion in schools, and creating new pathways to connect art, science, and communities. The event was hosted by Marisol Dias, INL researcher and 2024 Falling Walls Lab global finalist, who brought both energy and inspiration to the session. After the pitches, the audience enjoyed a coffee break and networking session, followed by the highly anticipated jury deliberation and announcement of winners. The winner of this first edition of Falling Walls Lab Portugal was Leonor Ribeiro, with her project “Breaking the Wall of Lung Cancer with a Beam of Light” – a promising approach using photonics to improve lung cancer treatment. Leonor will represent Portugal at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin this November, joining an international […]