A new research laboratory creates value and transfer of knowledge in the emerging areas of nanotechnology and nano science. With its top research facilities, the centre aims to strengthen cross-regional cooperation, and accelerate the transfer of innovations to industry, while fostering a knowledge-based economy.
- 19 December 2014
Modern scientific teams often have to work across boundaries, not only between disciplines, but also between countries. INL’s operation within the cross-border cooperation framework simplifies and encourages my collaboration with colleagues from Portugal, Spain and other European countries.
Based in Braga, Portugal, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is so far the only fully international research organisation in Europe in the field of nanotechnology. This Iberian cross-border project is home to new innovation and interdisciplinary research methodologies, designed for top-level spin-offs and knowledge networks. New infrastructure will enable the development of, for example, new diagnostic platforms, drug delivery systems, nanomachines and devices.
‘Smart network’ research organisation
The INL campus covers a total surface of 47 000 m2, and is divided into four centres: the main building, which accommodates scientific facilities; a leisure and accommodation building; an incubator for technology businesses and a scientific outreach centre and a set of 40 individual laboratories.
The laboratory is planned for 200 scientists, about 100 PhD students, and supports technical and administrative staff. Thanks to the ongoing recruitment, it is expected that 400 researchers will work in the centre by 2014. The research results are meant to be commercialised and to appeal to a wide range of investors.
Open innovative and interdisciplinary research approach with global reach.
The INL fosters cross-regional collaboration with local and global industries as well as universities dedicated to developing research and development (R&D) projects. The overall aim is to create an applied research centre of excellence in the field of nanotechnology.
This joint business venture elicits cooperation from both public and private sectors through the creation of businesses and the development of an ‘Administration – INL – Business – University’ model. More generally, the project is expected to serve as a platform for an innovative technology that has applications in a wide variety of fields.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Edificación del Laboratorio Ibérico Internacional de Nanotecnología (INL)” (Building the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory) is EUR 46 505 000, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 30 000 000 through the “Spain – Portugal” Operational Programme, under priority 1 "Cooperation and joint management for the improvement of competitiveness and the promotion of employment", for the 2007-2013 programming period.