Portugal’s Ministers Elvira Fortunato and António Costa Silva visited INL today

To highlight the crucial importance of INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in driving scientific advancements and economic growth, Portugal’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, Elvira Fortunato, alongside António Costa Silva, Minister of Economy and the Sea, visited INL today. The purpose of their visit was to showcase INL’s significant contributions on both national and international fronts, to delve into its strategic positioning within Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plans (PRRs) and its collaborations at the national and European levels, and to discuss INL’s future challenges and its positioning regarding ChipsAct.

During the visit, the ministers underscored INL’s strategic alignment with Portugal’s PRRs, highlighting the laboratory’s integral involvement in driving forward key initiatives aimed at strengthening the research and innovation national ecosystem. INL’s collaborative efforts with national partners were also brought to the forefront, showcasing the laboratory’s commitment to fostering synergies within the external scientific and industrial community.

Looking towards the future, the ministers addressed the challenges lying ahead for INL, particularly in the context of the burgeoning semiconductor industry. With the global semiconductor landscape evolving rapidly, INL faces the imperative of solidifying its position within initiatives like ChipsAct, aimed at fortifying Europe’s semiconductor capabilities. Ministers Fortunato and Silva reiterated the government’s unwavering support for INL, emphasizing the importance of investing in cutting-edge research to secure Portugal’s standing in the international arena of technological innovation.

As the visit drew to a close, Minister Elvira Fortunato and Minister António Costa Silva expressed their confidence in INL’s ability to rise to the occasion, leveraging its expertise to address the challenges of tomorrow and cement Portugal’s status as a powerhouse in the realm of science and technology.

Text and Photography by Gina Palha, Corporate Communication and Marketing Officer