News

INESC MN Hosts Visitors from Instituto Tecnológico Ettore Majorana Milazzo

On April 15th, 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of students from Instituto Tecnológico Ettore Majorana Milazzo in Italy, as part of the ERASMUS+ Programme. They visited INESC MN to learn about the research activities and projects that are being developed at our institute.
Professor João Pedro Conde led them through the visit, with assistance from Manuela Dias (Head of HR).

23 April 2024

European Network for Innovative and Advanced Epitaxy “OPERA” COST Action

These documents may give you new ideas for networking in the framework of the OPERA - COST ACTION CA20116 – European Network for Innovative and Advanced Epitaxy.  Please see the list of partners and details on the project scope and activities here, and contact Susana Freitas (scardoso@inesc-mn.pt) in case you want to get more involved with the activities.

📄 Highlights 2022

📄 Highlights 2023

19 April 2024

XXVII Physics week: 15-19 April @ Técnico (Alameda)

INESC MN is present at the XXVII Physics week, an event organized by the Physics Students’ Organisation (NFIST) that aims to promote scientific education in Portugal.

The event is addressed to students of all ages and aims to complement the science curriculum through experiments, workshops, lab visits, among others, and to disseminate information on what is being done in higher education, namely courses and career opportunities.

INESC MN provided curious students the chance to suit up in a cleanroom suit 😎, underlining the important role of cleanroom facilities in microfabrication processes. Additionally, we invited them to closely examine our microfabricated wafers, facilitating a hands-on learning experience.

17 April 2024

MFMET workshop in Caparica, Portugal, 22 May

MFMET, IPQ, The Microfluidics Association  and INESC MN  are organizing a free workshop on Standardization of Test Methods in Microfluidics on the 22nd of May 2024 at Caparica, Portugal. 

MFMET will be represented by several partners with presentations in the morning while Academia and Companies will show their test methods in the afternoon. A Roadmap for Standardization in microfluidics will be addressed by The MFA. Check the program and how to register👉 here.

12 April 2024

Organ on Chip engineering - what's next ? 

Our collaborator Vania Silverio will be at Envision Biomed - EMBS Chapter of Aveiro University - Student Branch Chapter, organized by the  IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS UA) from Portugal. She will put forward "Organ on Chip engineering - what's next ? " going through the engineering challenges behind the development of organ on chip devices and platforms and discuss opportunities of this innovative approach.

EMBS UA is a non-profit association founded with the purpose of addressing gaps in the national panorama of Biomedical Engineering and healthcare in general, with representation from various engineering disciplines. It supports students fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and knowledge in diverse topics.

12 April 2024

INESC MN @ ‘Técnico Holiday Programme’, 3 April, 2024

The Técnico Holiday Programme, an initiative designed to introduce secondary school students to academic life, offered a range of science activities. As part of this initiative, INESC MN hosted the "Microfabrication & Microfluidics Workshop," providing participants with the opportunity to explore the fascinating fields of microfluidics and photolithography.

During the workshop, high school students engaged in hands-on activities at the INESC MN facilities, where they learned fundamental photolithography techniques for crafting microstructures in photosensitive materials. They then applied this knowledge to construct a 3D microfluidic device using PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), with a specific focus on designing a gradient generator. Additionally, participants had the chance to tour our labs and research spaces, further enhancing their educational experience.

12 April 2024

PICadvanced and INESC MN-Centre for Technology and Innovation (CTI) Form Strategic Partnership

PICadvanced and INESC MN-Centre for Technology and Innovation (CTI) have established a partnership to strengthen competencies in the area of photonic chip encapsulation in Oeiras.

Both partners in the Microelectronics Agenda, PICadvanced, an innovative and disruptive startup in the field of photonics, integrated optical circuits, and advanced optical encapsulation, and INESC Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias/Centre for Technology and Innovation (CTI) in the area of microtechnologies, microelectronics, and sensors, have identified the strategic objective of increasing advanced training activities in the areas of microfabrication and photonic chip encapsulation, and exploring new technologies in the field of integrated photonics.

This partnership, aligned with the national strategy for Semiconductors, will strengthen existing competencies and also drive research in emerging technologies, increasing PICadvanced's competitiveness in a globally expanding area.

Some of the initiatives we want to promote with this partnership include:

- Joint participation in projects in the areas of microfabrication, integrated photonics, and PIC encapsulation;

- Promotion and dissemination of the activities of both institutions in these areas;

- Capacity building of human resources through internships, training academies, master's theses, and joint doctorates;

- Coordination of efforts for the reequipping and strengthening of competencies in microfabrication and photonic chip encapsulation (e.g., Competence Centers, Training Academies, and Pilot Lines).

11 April 2024

New project - UNLOOC: UNLocking Data Content of Organ-On-Chips

INESC MN is a part of a new project entitled ‘UNLocking Data Content of Organ-On-Chips’ (UNLOOC), this project will develop, optimize, and validate several electronics circuits and system to build OOC-models to replace the need for animal and in-human testing in drug discovery, clinical testing and validation.

INESC MN task is to work on the development of an integrated sensing solution based on custom-made thin-film sensors, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) and microfluidics for monitoring different conditions inside the organ-on-chip chambers. This task will be developed together with INESC ID and SiliconGate. To tackle the major challenges proposed in this project, the consortium is composed of 51 partners from 10 different countries.

Funding source: HORIZON-KDT-JU-2023-1-IA
Project: 101140192

9 April 2024

Unlocking Innovation: Lab2Market@ Accelerates Technological Breakthroughs 

Sympathia Technologies (a deep tech initiative developed in collaboration with INESC MMN) was on of the the five selected teams to join Lab2Market at Instituto Superior Técnico, a 9-week program aiming to accelerate innovation. The StrataFox team, which includes a member from #INESCMN, has introduced an innovative solution and was also selected for this program.

Sympathia Technologies is a groundbreaking deep tech initiative introducing a discreet and seamless solution for mental health monitoring – a smart sock that monitors the nervous system. Making use of e-textile technology and advanced sensors, the project aims to enhance clinical outcomes for individuals facing psychiatric disorders. With over two years of dedicated R&D in collaboration with INESC MN and Instituto de Telecomunicações, the project has already successfully delivered its first functional MVP and validated it on healthy subjects.

Lab2Market is an innovation acceleration program organized by TT@Técnico in collaboration with NTT DATA and iDeals. Its goal is to find the best way to valorize technologies developed at Instituto Superior Técnico, which can generate value and solve society's problems. The teams are comprised of professors, researchers, PhD and master's students from Instituto Superior Técnico developing innovative technologies and/or projects.

3 April 2024

NTNU master students visited Técnico and INESC MN Labs

As part of a study visit that took the students to discover what is being done in Portugal in the field of nanotechnology, 27 students from the 3rd year of the NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) Integrated Master's Degree in Nanotechnology visited the Instituto Superior Técnico on March 22, 2024.
They also had the opportunity to visit INESC MN laboratories and learn a little more about the research being conducted here, as well as the available infrastructures.

25 March 2024

 Happy Father's day, 19 March 2024

Celebrating all the incredible dads out there today! 🎉
To the guiding lights of innovation, the champions of curiosity, and the ultimate role models of dedication, we salute you. Thank you for inspiring us to dream big and push boundaries, both in our labs and in life.

Here's to the dads who fuel our drive for discovery.  Cheers to you on this special day! 🌟 

19 March 2024

Progress in Microfabrication: Insights from Collaboration with PICadvanced

Highlighting some of the developments emerging from our ongoing collaboration to tackle challenges set forth by our partners at PICadvanced, as part of the Agenda Mobilizadora Micro.electronics within the Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR).

In this snapshot, we capture one of the stages of the microfabrication process of silicon holders that will later be applied to integrated optical circuits, where cavities are being etched into the Silicon Nitride layer via Reactive Ion Etching (RIE).

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the world of micro and nanofabrication, where innovation meets precision!🚀✨

15 March 2024 

2nd Annual Meeting of Mobilizing Agendas - March 12, 2024

Today, on March 12th, the 2nd Annual Meeting of Mobilizing Agendas is taking place at Europarque in Santa Maria da Feira. One of the highlights of this event is the presentation of developments and results by the Agenda, among others.👌

This annual gathering, known as Partnerships that Transform the Economy, is part of the ongoing efforts to capitalize on innovation and business growth outlined in the PRR (Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência). Representatives from various Mobilizing Agendas will share updates on their projects, emphasizing their economic impact in terms of wealth generation, job creation, and exports, all contributing to the nation's advancement. 🚀

INESC MN, as a member of the Micro.electronics consortium, is currently at the event represented by our researchers Beatiz Ferreira and Marta Pereira.😎 

12 March 2024 

Young Scientists Seminar (2024-2026) - member election

Our researcher, Marco Piccardo, has been elected as one of the members for the Young Scientists Seminar of the Academia das Ciências de Lisboa for the period of 2024 - 2026.

This election recognizes top young scientists in the country to promote the new generation of leading researchers, fostering scientific discussions, interdisciplinary cooperation, and new initiatives that broadly connect science and society.

 You can find the list of all the members (2024-2026)👉 here 

7 March 2024 

First industrial tests on our printable conductive ink for RFID application

The first industrial tests on our revolutionary printable conductive ink for RFID applications have just been successfully performed at Riopele's esteemed textile manufacturing factory! 😎👌

What does this mean? 🤔
Imagine a future with textile production are not just smart, but seamlessly connected and efficient. From tracking inventory effortlessly to revolutionizing supply chain management, the potential applications of this breakthrough are truly limitless.

But that's not all! 🌟
This milestone represents a significant leap forward in the intersection of technology and manufacturing, showcasing the power of collaboration and innovation. 🤝

Funded by PRR Project Lusitano, a part of Mobilizing Agenda for Business Innovation in the Textile and Clothing Industry in Portugal.

6 March 2024 

INESC MN is seeking for candidates for PhD in Industry!

If you're interested in exploring our proposals in industry-relevant domains, please reach out to us.
These PhD grants will be supported by FCT in the 2024 Call.
For further information, please visit this👉 link

The deadline for pre-selection of applicants is March 25, 2024. 

To express your interest, kindly email us at geral_at_inesc-mn.pt, with the subject line "Expression of interest - PhD in Industry."

4 March 2024

INESC MN @SET - Semana Empresarial e Tecnológica (27 an 28 February)

INESC MN has participated on SET2024, an event that took place at Técnico TagusPark campus between 26 to 29 february. This event  primary goal is to foster collaboration between the realms of business and academia.

INESC MN participated for two days, offering an insightful glimpse into the cutting-edge research underway in the fields of microsystems and nanofabrication. 

29 February 2024

INESC MN integrates European consortium in innovative project between spintronics and artificial intelligence

INESC MN, a research unit of Instituto Superior Técnico, is one of the partners in the European project "MultiSpin.AI: n-ary spintronics-based edge computing co-processor for artificial intelligence", which has secured funding of over €3M from the European Innovation Council (EIC) through the Pathfinder Open program. The project started in February 2024 and will last for 3 years.

The research consortium, led by Prof. Lior Klein from the Department of Physics at Bar-Ilan University, brings together researchers from INESC-MN (Portugal), Bar-Ilan University (Israel), and UCLouvain - Université catholique de Louvain (Belgium), as well as industrial partners such as SpinEdge LLC (Israel) and Interactive Fully Electrical Vehicles (Italy).

In Lisbon, the team is led by Prof. Susana Freitas, a researcher at INESC MN and professor at the Department of Physics of Instituto Superior Técnico, whose widely distinguished work in thin films and spintronics will be essential for the design and manufacturing of magnetic nanodevices in the project.

The Pathfinder Open program promotes high-risk, high-reward scientific innovations and the development of technologies still in the early stages. This is the case of the innovative device that the project proposes to develop, applying spintronics to the field of artificial intelligence: processing units based on magnetic tunnel junctions that exhibit multiple distinguishable magnetic states, allowing for more than the usual 2 digital states and, therefore, achieving significant gains in terms of computing speed and energy efficiency. This hardware will be integrated into information processing through neuromorphic computing. The impact will be significant in artificial intelligence applications that require high energy consumption and increased computational resources, thus benefiting from the optimization of processing capacity (for example, in areas that require "on-site" computing, such as autonomous mobility or robotics).

With the project, the development of an initial prototype and the demonstration of the proof of concept are expected, through the integration of magnetic devices into a processing array and the construction of artificial intelligence algorithms that validate it. 

28 February 2024

New Publication in Biosensors Journal

"Competitive Immunoassay in a Microfluidic Biochip for In-Field Detection of Abscisic Acid in Grapes"

Cristiana Domingues, Rui Meirinho, Rodolfo G. Rodrigues, Ana Margarida Fortes ,Virginia Chu  and João Pedro Conde.

Access 👉here

26 February 2024

NGS - New Generation Storage meeting

On December 19, 2023, the University of Aveiro hosted an important meeting for BP19 of the Mobilizing Agenda NGS - New Generation Storage. This project aims to develop new technology in lithium-ion batteries, focusing on creating an industry for manufacturing and recycling these batteries. This is part of an effort to support a more sustainable future.

Led by the DST Group, the project involves 49 different organizations. BP19 partners (DST Solar, Bondalti; EDMTech; Enforce; INESC MN; Lux Optimeyes Energy; Palmiresíduos; PIEP; PRIO Energy; dst; InnovationPoint; Porto de Aveiro; b.again; IST; FEUP; FCT-UNL; UA; UM; ATEC; VG Colab) play a crucial role, particularly in training and offering advanced courses. They focus on helping companies train their workforce, ensuring they have the skills and talent needed for the growing battery industry.  This meeting wasn't just about progress in technology, but also about building the workforce that will drive this exciting new industry forward.

7 February 2024

New Publication in Nature: "Nozaki–Bekki solitons in semiconductor lasers"

An International research team which includes our researcher Marco Piccardo, also a professor at Técnico Lisboa, has published an article in Nature that proposes replicating a phenomenon described as a “solitary wave” or “wave of translation” on the scale of a chip, using pulses of light in semiconductor rings. This size reduction can be crucial, especially in fields where space and efficiency are important, such as environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics and security. The international research team also includes researchers from TU Wien University, Harvard University and a consortium of Italian research institutes.

Read the article 👉 here

25 January 2024

Metrology and standardization for microfluidics - What is missing? What more needs to be done?

On 13 and 14 of November researcher Vania Silverio had the opportunity to show, at CETIAT, what is being done under MFMET.eu on flow control and leakage and to participate in the discussion on "metrology and standardization for microfluidics - What is missing? What more needs to be done?". 

But that was not all. Vania Silverio had the pleasure of moderating a Round Table on "sensor integration in Microfluidics and for Organs-on-Chip" in which stakeholders from Industry and Research Institutions diligently discussed and debated the topic.

The event was organized by CETIAT (https://www.cetiat.fr/en), MFMET and the Microfluidics Association 

December 2023

INESC Lisboa Xmas Party 2023

Last friday, december 15, INESC MN, INESC-ID and INOV reunited to celebrate this special season of the year. 🎅🎄

Professor Leonel Sousa led INESC Lisboa year review reflecting on challenges and triumphs. Together we look forward to the future! ✨

December 2023

INESC MN Christmas dinner 2023

INESC MN students and researchers gathered to celebrate this holiday season.

🎅🎄 We wish everyone a merry Christmas!

December 2023

'Novos Talentos' 2023 

Welcome to Inês Gonçalves who just got awarded a "Novos Talentos" grant from Gulbenkian and is joining the Multimode Photonics group for research on inverse design nanophotonics.

This Calouste Gulbenkian iniciative aims to discover and support the talents of exceptional students and encourage them to embark on research.

More info 👉here 

November 2023

Battery Innovation Days  3rd Edition | 14-15 November, 2023

INESC MM researchers attended the 'Battery Innovation Days (3rd edition)' which took place in Bordeaux, France, from 14 to 15 November 2023.

🌍🌱The Battery Innovation Days fosters dialogue among the research community, policy makers, industry players and end-users to push battery research and innovation in Europe. Batteries are crucial to the enabling of technology that will allow the EU to achieve its zero-emissions goals through a responsible and sustainable market.

This event aimed to increase knowledge and encourage exchange around the deployment of cutting-edge technologies in battery materials, cell design, manufacturing and recycling.

More details about this event can be found here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dsScAcfJ

November 2023

SafeFire experimental field tests

First field tests of project SafeFire at the experimental field test of Gestosa in Góis, with integrated biosensors to monitor firefighters in action, in a collaborative action with INESC MN, ADAI, IT-Lisboa, UC and Latino.

About the project:

SafeFire Project focus on firefighters health and performance conditions by proposing innovative approaches integrating physiological and environmental data monitoring, intelligent data analysis, and effective communication mechanisms. The main objectives are to improve firefighters’ health status, prevent hazardous situations, and explore and integrate monitored information to support team management decisions, including team rotations and special needs.

October 2023

 Solvey Workshop "Dissipative solitons, turbulence and extreme events in nonlinear photonics" - invited speaker

INESC MN Researcher Marco Piccardo was an invited speaker at Solvey Workshop - "Dissipative solitons, turbulence and extreme events in nonlinear photonics" - which took place in Brussels, from 6-8 September.

This workshop has covered the most recent advances in the following active areas of study:

• Spatial and temporal localized structures of light

• Laser mode locking

• Machine learning and networks with photonic devices

• Microresonator frequency comb technologies

• High-precision spectroscopy

• Generation and propagation of pulses in fiber lasers and optical waveguides

• Stability, interaction, and mobility of optical solitons

• Extreme events, turbulence, and spatiotemporal chaos in photonic devices

Solvay conferences began with the historic invitation-only 1911 Solvay Conference on Physics, considered a turning point in the world of physics.

September 2023

AIM Doctoral Programme Workshop: 10 Years of Advanced Integrated Microsystems 

The AIM Doctoral Program will be holding its final Workshop on 28-29 September at the Academia de Ciências de Lisboa to commemorate the 10 years of the Doctoral Program on Advanced Integrated Microsystems. The Workshop will have presentations and discussions from international experts, AIM alumni and the current class of AIM doctoral fellows. The Workshop is open to all who are interested. See the program here

September 2023

Noite Europeia Investigadores 2022/23 - European Reseachers' Night 2022/23 - September 29

INESC MN will be participating in the NEI2023 which will take place on September 29, from 5p.m. to 12 a.m., at Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Lisbon.

In this event, INESC MN researchers will be presenting INESC MN research to the public, communicating about research projects they are involved in, with a view to increasing public engagment in science and technology and promoting sustainability (social, economic or environmental) and inclusion.

September 2023

Micro.electronics event 'Portugal as a Global Player in the Semiconductor Market' 

Be a part of the Micro.electronics event 'Portugal as a Global Player in the Semiconductor Market' the first edition of an event exclusively dedicated to the semiconductor industry, which will take place on October 3rd, 2023, at the Aveirense Theatre in Aveiro.

INESC Microssistemas e Nanotecnologias is a Consortium partner.

More information here    

September 2023

INESC MN opens a Call for Expression of Interest for a Researcher Position in the area of Lab on a Chip and Microfluidic Systems

INESC MN is opening a call for Expression of Interest from qualified candidates with PhD for a opening for a Researcher position at INESC MN through funding from the Associated Laboratory i4HB. 

See details of the Call from Expression of Interest here 

September 2023

IEEE-Distinguished lecturer in Europe

Susana Freitas has travelled across Europe between 9 to 26 July as an IEEE-Distinguished lecturer.

In parallel with the organized IEEE-DL talks, she had the opportunity to visit several labs and to engage in very interesting discussions with younger researchers and colleagues from the Magnetics communities.

Thanks the amazing hosts for the warm reception!

🗺 You can have a global view of the different locations she visited here

August 2023

Summer Internships 2023

Our internship program offers students the opportunity to gain direct practical experience with INESC MN's work. 

The picture on the left shows five of the students that are currently participating on this program, together with Head of HR, Manuela Dias.

Welcome!

August 2023

'Ciência Viva no Laboratório 2023' internship

INESC MN internship, within 'Ciência Viva no Laboratório 2023' summer internships program, has given the opportunity to 4 young students to learn on a hand's on laboratory approach about Nanotechnology. They were introduced to different processing and characterization techniques including microfluidic laser cut, organic electronics, thin film deposition, difractometer X-ray measurements, autocad mask design, lithography, etching, PDMS, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and wirebonding. Also had access to the Cleanroom.

This kind of initiatives are very important to show the Science developed in Portugal, and help young students to define their career path possibilities.

'Nanotechnology in action!' was featured on 'Falar Global', a tv show about new technologies, trends, behaviors and innovation in Portuguese society, by CMTV.

July 2023

'Física sobre rodas' 2023

INESC MN supports 'Física sobre rodas' a national iniciative developed by NFIST (Núcleo de Física do Instituto Superior Técnico) students.

It consists on a traveling physics exhibition, to several parts of Portugal, that intends to promote and disseminate science to all ages.

July Calendar 

Alcácer do Sal: 18

Beja : 19, 20

Aljezur: 21

Faro: 22

Loulé: 24,25, 26

Olivais: 27

July 2023

New Publication in Nano Energy Journal -  Vol 115

"Printed graphene electrodes for textile-embedded triboelectric nanogenerators for biomechanical sensing"

Ismael Domingos, Zakaria Saadi, Kavya Sreeja Sadanandan, Henrique A. Pocinho, Diogo M. Caetano, Ana I.S. Neves, Monica F. Craciun, Helena Alves.

Access here 

July 2023

INESC MN opens Call for Applications for 1 PhD Grant

INESC MN, within the R&D Research Units financing from FCT, is opening a call for 1 PhD research grant (bolsa de doutoramento) in the area of Microsystems and Nanotechnologies.

Application Period: 25 May to 9 June 2023 (17h00 GMT).
For more information, see the announcement on Euraxess 

PhD projects available 👉

• Multiparametric sensor platform for real-time biocontaminant aerial detection 

• Process validation and quality assessment for magnetoresistive sensor microfabrication in 200 mm diameter wafers and CMOS integration

• Optimization of ultrathin spintronic films with reduced intrinsic noise mechanisms for the next generation of high resolution magnetic sensors

• Digital microfluidics for biosensing

• Microfluidics integrated in MEMS and MEMS integrated in microfluidics for biosensing

• Sensorial instrumentation in advanced robotic artificial skin

• UV and radiation sensors based on Ga2O3 nanomembrane heterostructures

• Bionic photosensors

• Electronic textiles for wearable point-of-care systems

• Acoustic microfluidics bioreactor for the generation and maintenance of 3D organoids

• Cell-based hydrogel microparticles for topical wound healing: microfluidics integration and 3D microenvironment studies

May 2023

IEEE ISCAS May 21-25, Monterey, California 

Our researcher Diogo Caetano was present at the IEEE ISCAS 2023 (International Symposium on Circuits and Systems') that took place on May 21-25 at Monterey, California, delivering a presentation about "Spintronics and Machine Learning for Rapid Multi-Resistant Bacteria Detection".

May 2023

IST Open day, 20 May 2023, Lisbon

INESC MN, together with C2TN, IPFN and Young Minds Lisboa, has participated on Instituto Superior Técnico Open day, on May 20, with demonstrations and experiments about:

- Discover how ionizing and non-ionizing radiation can be detected;
- How are radiation sensors made?
- Does radiation have a taste? ("blind tasting" with irradiated and non-irradiated strawberries)

We were able to show the importance of sensors for UV radiation and radioactivity measurments (on rocks).

May 2023

ENRIS 2023, 15 - 17 May, Paris, France

INESC MN was present at the 3rd European Symposium on Nanofabrication Research Infrastructure - ENRIS 2023.
ENRIS is an international symposium on cleanroom operation, management and user training organised every two years by the European consortium EURONANOLAB.

May 2023

IEEE-Distinguished lecturer in USA

Susana Freitas has travelled across the USA between 17 April - 3 May as an IEEE-Distinguished lecturer.
In parallel with the organized IEEE-DL talks, she visited several labs and had the opportunity to participate in very exciting discussions with younger researchers and colleagues from the Magnetics communities.

Thanks the 12 amazing hosts for the warm reception!

You can have a global view of the different locations she visited 👉 here

May 2023

Visit to INESC MN | 10 May 

High School students from 'Bafra Kız Anadolu İmam Hatip Lisesi' and 'Şehit Tayfun Pekel Anadolu Lisesi' (both located in the city of Samsun, Turkey) visited INESC MN Cleanroom and Labs to learn more about the nanotechnology in Portugal.

May 2023

INESC MN 2023 Workshop Series

Design your own Spiking Neural Network with the HEENS system
Jordi Madrenas, Professor, Intelligent Sensors and Integrated Systems (IS2) group, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona (Spain)

When: 16 May, 15h00 – 16h00
Where: Amphitheatre 9 @ INESC

Abstract: Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), considered the third generation of neural networks, are becoming more and more relevant to Machine Learning applications. They offer bioinspired computation based on local adaptation and plasticity and eventual biological compatibility, which makes them well-suited not only to general engineering but also to biomedical applications. SNNs demand large number of units and synapses, thus intensive computation. In order to preserve the real-time response property, general computing platforms and software implementations are not well-suited for power consumption and resource reasons. In the workshop, after a short introduction of SNNs, the HEENS (Hardware Emulator of Evolvable Neural Spiking Systems) architecture and development software are  presented, together with SNN FPGA implementation examples, in particular an accelerometer-based smart sensor and recent developments on memristive synaptic modelling. A hands-on session will follow where attendants will be able to propose their own network and try it.

 May 2023

Let's talk about...Fluidics!

Our researcher Vania Silverio is going to discuss fluidics together with Pedro Sebastião (CeFEMA-Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials), professors, researchers and students at Physics@Coffee today 04 May, 17h, at Physics Department Seminar Room (2nd floor) 

May 2023

New publication in Advanced Materials Journal

Cancer Models on Chip: Paving the Way to Large Scale Trial Applications
João Ferreira Gil, Carla Sofia Moura, Vania Silverio, Gil Gonçalves, Hélder A. Santos

May 2023

Girls in ICT - 2023 | 27 April @ IST Taguspark

INESC MN has participated on the GIRLSTEAM 2023 event that took place on 27 April at IST TagusPark, Oeiras. The event was directed mainly to the high school students involving hands-on activities and demonstrations. 
GIRLSTEAM 2023 main goal is to encourage girls and young women to consider studies and careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), the event is also a part of the 'International Day of Girls in ICT 2023' celebration. This day is celebrated every year and is an international effort promoted by the United Nations Agency, ITU (International Telecommunication Union - ITU).

April 2023

EMa e-seminar series - Débora Albuquerque

On Thursday 27.04.2023 at 11 am CEST (UTC+2) Dr. Débora Albuquerque will discuss “Advancing Infectious Disease Diagnostics with MR Sensor Technology for Rapid Point-of-Care Testing”. The video abstract can be found here 

You can attend the event via EMA Twitch channel (questions can be asked via the chat) or via Zoom (if you would like to take an active part in the discussions).
The Zoom link for this seminar can be found here (Meeting ID : 998 0238 5926)

April 2023

New Publication in Chemosensors journal

Microfluidic Detection of Adenylate Kinase as a Cell Damage Biomarker
Cristiana Domingues, Pedro Mendes Fontes, Pedro G. M. Condelipes,Vanda Marques, Marta B. Afonso, Virginia Chu, Cecília M. P. Rodrigues and João Pedro Conde.

Chemosensors 2023, 11(4), 220

April 2023

INESC MN at Tech4innov, 29 March @ Europarque - Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal

INESC MN was present at Tech4innov event (that aims to strengthen research, technological development and innovation), together with INOV, showcasing our work on microfabrication, biosensors, scanners and current sensors.

We even got our cleanroom suit on!👌

March 2023

European Network for Innovative and Advanced Epitaxy “OPERA” COST Action 

Scientific Highlights from OPERA working groups (WG1 Fundamental research – New Materials;
WG2 Applications-oriented material developments and WG3 Industry-oriented materials development and technological transfers) for the year 2022, are available 👉 here

March 2023

NTNU Lab visits  | 28 March

Master students from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, visited INESC MN facilities to learn more about the nanotechnology that is being developed in Portugal.

March 2023

Accelerating Innovation of Microfluidic Technology - the Role of Standardization | 28-29 March

Our researcher Vania Silverio is speaking at the Workshop on BioMEMS and Microfluidic Technologies promoted by ODTÜ MEMS Merkezi (METU MEMS Center) in Ankara, Turkey.

👉The Program and Registration link can be found here

March 2023

Missão Interface – CTI base funding

INESC Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias has been chosen a Technology and Innovation Center (CTI) as certified by the National Innovation Agency (ANI), securing a base funding of 2.58M€. This funding comes from Component 5 - 'Capitalization and Business Innovation' of the Missão Interface, launched under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

The main purpose of the Missão Interface is to "deepen the effort to widen and consolidate the network of interface institutions between the academic, scientific and technological system and the Portuguese business sector, ensuring the necessary support to enhance their impact in promoting investment in R&D and innovative investment in companies, particularly in terms of their export potential."
INESC MN, under the CTI label, will invest in technical and human capacity building to improve the ability to offer services in Microelectronics, and qualification of Human resources in innovative areas of interest to national and international companies.

The funding will be granted for a 3-year period, beginning April 1, 2023.

March 2023

16.XMR-Symposium at Wetzlar, 8-9 March 2023

INESC MN was present at the 16th International Symposium "Magnetoresistive Sensors and Magnetic Systems".

Susana Freitas presented the topic: "Small footprint 2D MR sensors for tactile sensors"

March 2023

International Women's Day - March 8

INESC MN wishes a happy International Women's Day!🌹

March 2023

'Física Fora da Academia' - March 4 2023

INESC MN has participated on the 6th edition of the event 'Física Fora da Academia' (Physics outside Academia) hosted by NFEF-FCUL.

This event intended to show the students of Physics and Engineering Physics their career path possibilities and motivate them for the road ahead.

Speakers from different areas of Physics and Engineering Physics were invited to talk about their experience in the labour market.

March 2023

New Publication in Biosensors Journal

Combined Use of Ionic Liquid-Based Aqueous Biphasic Systems and Microfluidic Devices for the Detection of Prostate-Specific Antigen
Filipa C. Flora, Sofia B. Relvas, Francisca A. e Silva, Mara G. Freire, Virginia Chu and João Pedro Conde 

Biosensors 2023, 13(3), 33

March 2023

90 Segundos de Ciência - Ep. 43

INESC MN researcher Vania Silverio gives voice to episode #43 of
Antena 1 radio show called '90 segundos de ciência' (90 seconds of Science).

She talks about microfluidic structures and the importance of the cleanroom environment.

The interview is available in portuguese here

March 2023

New Publication in Sensors Journal

Feasibility of Electrodermal Activity and Photoplethysmography Data Acquisition at the Foot Using a Sock Form Factor
Afonso Fortes Ferreira, Hugo Plácido da Silva, Helena Alves, Nuno Marques and Ana Fred.

Sensors 2023, 23(2), 620

February 2023

INESC MN opens Call for Applications for 1 PhD Grant

INESC MN, within the R&D Research Units financing from FCT, is opening a call for 1 PhD research grant (bolsa de doutoramento) in the area of Microsystems and Nanotechnologies.

Application Period: 10 February 2023 to 10 March 2023 (17h00 GMT). 

For more information, see the announcement on Euraxess

PhD projects available 👉

• Multiparametric sensor platform for real-time biocontaminant aerial detection 

• Process validation and quality assessment for magnetoresistive sensor microfabrication in 200 mm diameter wafers and CMOS integration

• Optimization of ultrathin spintronic films with reduced intrinsic noise mechanisms for the next generation of high resolution magnetic sensors

• Digital microfluidics for biosensing

• Microfluidics integrated in MEMS and MEMS integrated in microfluidics for biosensing

• Sensorial instrumentation in advanced robotic artificial skin

• UV and radiation sensors based on Ga2O3 nanomembrane heterostructures

• Bionic photosensors

• Electronic textiles for wearable point-of-care systems

• Acoustic microfluidics bioreactor for the generation and maintenance of 3D organoids

• Cell-based hydrogel microparticles for topical wound healing: microfluidics integration and 3D microenvironment studies
  
  

February 2023

INESC MN 2023 Seminar Series - Guido Berlin February 16 @ 15h00 Lisbon time

Meeting Room, 3rd floor @ INESC or online👉here

Microfabrication and Applied Research at CAC-CNEA, Argentina 

Guido Berlin, head of the Sensors Division in the Micro and Nanotechnology Department, CNEA

Moderator: Vania Silverio, INESC MN

Abstract: The National Atomic Energy Commission, CNEA, in Argentina was created more than seventy years ago and is dedicated to the pacific uses of Nuclear Energy.  It is composed of 3 atomic centres: Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB) in Bariloche, Río Negro; Centro Atómico Ezeiza (CAE) in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires and Centro Atómico Constituyentes (CAC) in San Martín, Buenos Aires. Each of them has a low-power reactor dedicated to research and teaching tasks.

In the latter we can find the Micro and Nanotechnology Department, based on Cleanroom facilities and has 12 full time researchers, 20 part-time and full-time students and 5 full time technicians involved in a series of basic and applied projects. We have ~150 m2 of ISO 6 and 7 Cleanrooms and ~200 m2 for biochemistry, electrical characterization, sensor characterization, microfluidics.

In this presentation I will show available equipment, facilities and current research. This will be an opportunity to present actual collaborations with INESC MN and to discuss future ones.

February 2023

PhD Fellowships in a business environment

We are currently accepting expressions of interest in PhD Research Fellowships in Non-academic environments (funded by FCT) from candidates who would like to do their PhD in industry in the area of Microelectronics.

📅Deadline for expressions of interest: February 24, 2023

📧Candidates should contact: Susana Cardoso de Freitas (scardoso_at_inesc-mn.pt)

💬More information here

February 2023

PhD Thesis Defense of Catarina Caneira

"MicroPathID: Development of an In-Field Microfluidic Systemfor Detection of Pathogens"

24th February 2023, at 10:00 H (PT time)

At IST, Anfiteatro PA3 (Mathematics Building, -1 floor) 

Zoom Link: https://videoconf-colibri.zoom.us/j/92253228496

January 2023

PhD Thesis Defense of Pedro Ribeiro

"A novel magnetoresistive tactile soft-sensor, inspired by biological cilia"
January 27, 2022 10:00 AM Lisbon

Zoom Link: https://videoconf-colibri.zoom.us/j/99968677960

January 2023

Lusitano Project is commited to create sustainable and energetic solutions for the textile industry

The kick-off Event of the Lusitano Project, which took place last friday January 13th, at Riopele, in Vila Nova de Famalicão, was attended by our Prime Minister António Costa, the Minister of the Presidency Mariana Vieira da Silva, and the Minister of Economy and Sea António Costa Silva. This visit took place within the scope of the Government's "Roteiro PRR" initiative, which intends to visit locally the projects in progress throughout the national territory - PRR on the move.

INESC MN and Instituto Superior Técnico are 2 of the partners of this Project, in a universe of 17, including companies, research centers and universities.

The Lusitano Project aims to find sustainable textile solutions, including yarns, fabrics and clothing, based on natural fibers and recycled fibers from end-of-life clothing. Additional green objectives include energy and resource management solutions for the sector, and intelligent and automated systems for textile and clothing industry.

The investment totals 111.5 million euros.

January 2023

IEEE Magnetics Society awarded Professor Susana Cardoso de Freitas the title of “Distinguished Lecturer for 2023”

The title of “Distinguished Lecturer for 2023” was awarded to Professor Susana Freitas by the IEEE Magnetic Society for the development of magnetic sensors, from ultrathin Films to Integration in advanced systems. This title is given to the researchers who contributed to the magnetic technology.

Prof. Susana Freitas is planning to give lectures all over the world in 2023, in cooperation with the IEEE Magnetics communities and Industry worldwide.

January 2023