INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

18/11/2025

We handed the mic to the future of science. 🎤

The ESRA Symposium returned for its second edition: to give early-career researchers the stage they deserve.

This year’s event featured:
180 participants,
2 keynote talks,
44 posters and
13 oral presentations.

Check the winners and highlights here: https://inl.int/esra-symposium-2025-inl-early-career-researchers/

17/11/2025

Environmental pollution is a major global issue! 😶‍🌫️

This year, INLer Joana Araújo captured the spotlight by winning the Best Shotgun Poster Award, at the International Caparica Conference on Pollutant Toxic Ions and Molecules.

Her poster, “Covalent Organic Frameworks and Composites for Efficient Adsorption of Pharmaceuticals in Natural Waters”, stood out for its approach to tackling water contamination.

Congratulations, Joana!

🔗 Read more about this achievement and INL’s presence at the International Caparica Conference PTIM 2025 here: https://inl.int/joana-araujo-best-poster-caparica-conference/

INL researcher Joana Araújo wins Best Poster Award at the 6th International Caparica Conference on Pollutant Toxic Ions & Molecules (PTIM).

14/11/2025

INL took innovation to the market!

Together with do Minho, INL signed a landmark licensing agreement with IPLEXMED. It granted commercialisation rights for a pioneering technology built on functionalised graphene sensors.

At a practical level, the breakthrough offers a non-invasive diagnostic method for diseases such as malaria.

Beyond an agreement, the milestone reflects INL’s commitment to leading scientific innovation and driving progress that shapes the future!

👉 Read more about this technology and its impact here: https://inl.int/inl-and-uminho-transfer-cutting-edge-graphene-diagnostic-technology-to-iplexmed/

12/11/2025

INL welcomed Braga's new mayor and municipal team!

On 3 November, the installation ceremony for Braga’s municipal bodies took place in Theatro Circo.

Representing INL, Professor Ado Jório, Deputy Director-General, and Dr Carolina Baptista, International Relations and Internal Affairs Communication Officer, attended the ceremony.

INL's participation reflects its ongoing partnership with the Municipality of Braga and its commitment to advancing the region’s scientific, technological and social development!

🔗 Read the full story here: https://inl.int/inl-at-braga-municipal-installation-ceremony-2025/

08/11/2025

Happy STEM Day! 🧪

We’re celebrating , , , and by sharing one of INL’s outreach initiatives!

As part of Mission NERD, we teamed up with the Portuguese Red Cross and Geração Tecla to bring science closer to the community.

On October 22, INL volunteers Lia Santos and Bernardo Nogueira led a hands-on workshop with fun experiments for children from underrepresented communities, sparking curiosity and inspiring future scientists!

🔗 Learn more about Mission NERD activities here: https://www.scaleexperiences.inl.int/mission-nerd

04/11/2025

Portugal has the highest rate of stomach cancer in Western Europe.

But what if we could catch it earlier?
Before it becomes life-threatening?

Catarina Lopes, PhD student and INL researcher, has been awarded the Prémio Maria de Sousa for her project, SNIFF. It proposes a non-invasive, affordable saliva test to detect stomach cancer in its early stages by identifying chemical signatures from volatile compounds.

Promoted by Bial and dos Médicos, the award supports young Portuguese researchers advancing Health Sciences.

Catarina’s project was one of just five selected this year.
👏 Congratulations!

Keep reading about her project and what it could mean for early cancer detection: https://inl.int/maria-de-sousa-prize-catarina-lopes-gastric-cancer-research/

22/10/2025

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory expresses its condolences on the passing of Francisco Pinto Balsemão, former Prime Minister of Portugal and a sounding voice in press freedom and media development in the country.

His contributions left a lasting mark on Portugal’s democratic, cultural and social landscape. With Portugal as one of its member states, INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory highlights the significance of Mr Pinto Balsemão’s legacy, whose impact is reflected in the widespread fostering of critical thinking.

The INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory community conveys its deepest sympathy to his family and all who mourn his loss.

Read INL’s message of condolence for Francisco Pinto Balsemão: https://inl.int/francisco-pinto-balsemao/

(Photography Credits: Croes, Rob C. / Anefo)

22/10/2025

INL is proud to be featured in SIC, Futuro Hoje! 🤖

From ultra-precise sensors to satellite technologies monitoring climate change, our research is helping shape smarter, more sustainable solutions for global challenges.

This spotlight is a testament to the power of science, collaboration, and the incredible talent of our INLers, who work every day towards tangible innovation.

Watch the full segment here: https://sicnoticias.pt/programas/futurohoje/2025-10-21-video-em-braga-a-nanotecnologia-do-nosso-futuro-e1226efe

(Image Credit: SIC / SIC Notícias)

25/07/2025

🧬 Meet Cristiana Alves, who leads the Electron Microscopy & X-Rays Facility at INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, working daily with materials no one else can see, at the atomic level.

In this new interview, she shares her journey, her passion for uncovering hidden structures, and her wisdom for young scientists.

💬 “When I first experienced electron microscopy, I knew that seeing the invisible was my path.”
📖 Read the full story here: https://inl.int/cristiana-alves-revealing-the-invisible/

Cristiana Alves, Facility Manager at INL, explores invisible nanostructures using advanced electron microscopy and materials science.

25/07/2025

CCDR NORTE will host the workshop “Circular Economy in Food, Feed, Plastics and Rubber” on 30 July, as part of the EU-funded project ( ).

Organised by INEGI driving science & innovation with CCDR NORTE and INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, and supported by and , the event marks the close of the project’s regional activities.

Know more ⤵

A CCDR NORTE acolhe, no dia 30 de julho, o workshop “Economia Circular nos setores Alimentos e Rações, Plásticos e Borracha”, no âmbito do projeto europeu , financiado pelo programa Horizonte 2020.

Promovido pelo .pt, em colaboração com a CCDR NORTE e o INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, e com o apoio da e da , o evento marca o encerramento das atividades regionais do projeto e tem como principais objetivos validar desafios e oportunidades na gestão de resíduos e promover soluções circulares com os atores regionais.

A participação é gratuita, mediante inscrição obrigatória, a partir do link: https://shorturl.at/8AhRp

🔗Saiba mais: https://www.ccdr-n.pt/

25/07/2025

🔬 An important part of our journey is how the diagnostic devices will come closer to real use.

Know more below ⤵

🔬 An important part of our journey is how the diagnostic devices will come closer to real world-use. SENSOPAD will undergo iterative clinical and usability assessments employing proof-of-concept studies in University of Oxford and menstrual blood sampling and analysing with Tulipon by GalsBio devices involving both healthcare professionals and patients. SENSOPAD evaluations will focus on:

• Analytical accuracy (sensitivity/specificity) of biomarker detection
• Evaluation of user’s experience and expectations
• Reusability assessment

👉 These evaluations will ensure SENSOPAD is not only scientifically robust but also user-friendly and impactful in real-world healthcare settings.

22/07/2025

🧠 Do you know what it’s like to lead engineering innovation at a top research lab?

In this new interview, Duarte Mota, Engineering Lead at INL, shares what motivates him, what challenges he faces, and what inspires him about science and teamwork.

📖 Read the full story here: https://inl.int/interview-duarte-mota-inl-mechanical-engineering/

Interview with Duarte Mota, Engineering Lead at INL, on smart manufacturing, AI in design, and future-ready mechanical systems.