News

Go to INL in the Media

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

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 […]

Nobel Prize Highlights microRNA Discovery: Insights for INL Nanosafety Work

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This pivotal advancement in molecular biology and epigenetics was made through studies on the microscopic worm C. elegans, showing how microRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing protein production. Their discovery has far-reaching implications across biology, medicine, and toxicology—including key research initiatives at INL. Within the Research Group focused on Nanosafety, INL researchers utilise C. elegans as a model organism to assess the potential health risks of particulate matter and nanomaterials. Just as Ambros and Ruvkun’s findings have transformed our understanding of gene regulation, our work is expanding the boundaries of toxicological research by employing functional genetics, toxicogenomics, and epigenetic biomarker evaluations to study the impacts of nanomaterials. C. elegans: A Nobel-Winning Model for Toxicology Research The 2024 Nobel Prize further validates the use of C. elegans in toxicology research. Its simplicity, genetic transparency, and short life cycle make it an invaluable tool for studying complex biological processes. Importantly, C. elegans shares many genetic pathways with humans, enabling researchers to draw relevant connections between nanomaterial […]

#ISFGM2024 – International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials concludes with a notable achievement

The 17th International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials – #ISFGM2024 concluded with resounding success, thanks to the participation of esteemed researchers, industry professionals, and academics from around the globe. Hosted by the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal, from September 29 to October 2, the event provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing groundbreaking research in the field of Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs). Throughout the symposium, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, inspiring keynote presentations, technical sessions, and poster presentations. The diverse range of topics covered reflected the multidisciplinary nature of FGMs, whose applications span biomedical, automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering sectors, among others. A key highlight of ISFGM2024 was the election of Ana Ribeiro to the international advisory committee on functionally graded materials (IACFGMs). In a historic moment for the community, Ana joins this distinguished board, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the field. This prestigious recognition acknowledges her contributions to FGM research and her leadership in advancing the discipline. As ISFGM2024 comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. The exchanges of ideas, the collaborative spirit, and the […]

III Science Communication Meeting Antena Minho – INL

The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory together with Antena Minho and in partnership with the Universidade do Minho and the European Researchers’ Night will host the III Meeting ‘Science for All’ Antena Minho – INL on October 11, 2024, between 09:00 and 12:30. This event is designed to create a dynamic platform where scientists, science communicators, and journalists can engage with diverse audiences to make science accessible to everyone. The meeting will feature a range of fascinating talks and performances, including: This event is an opportunity for students, the general public and science enthusiasts to learn, network and enhance their knowledge and understanding of science communication. The event will be held in Portuguese. Registration is free, but mandatory, until October 10. Don’t miss this unique chance to engage with the world of science. Join us!

Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 … 170 Next