PAULO FREITAS

Paulo Freitas has a Bsc in Physics from the University of Porto and a PhD in Physics from the Carnegie Mellon University (1986). After his PhD at the Carnegie Mellon University, he was a postdoctoral Research Fellow at the IBM Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York, USA (1986-87). From 1990 to 2000, he was Director of the Solid State Technology Group at INESC and since 2000, Director of INESC-MN.

Professor Freitas has been a full professor of Physics at the Instituto Superior Técnico since 2003, administering the Department of Physics since 2006. In 2007, he joined the Installation Commission of the International Iberian Nanotechnology Institute (INL) and was appointed Deputy Director General in 2009. Professor Freitas’ current research interests include GMR heads for ultra-high density recording, spin-dependent tunneling junctions, non-volatile memories, magnetic multilayers and thin films, micro magnetism, transport phenomena, GMR sensors, bioelectronics and biosensors. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Paulo Freitas is responsible for the coordination of the project and the network.

 

LEONARD FRANCIS

Leonard Francis received his Ph.D. in 2005 from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India. Subsequently, he was a postdoctoral fellow (2006–2008) at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. He is a group leader in the Department of Advanced Electron Microscopy, Imaging and Spectroscopy at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL). His broad area of research is focused on the use of advanced electron microscopic techniques for the study of materials/nanomaterials for various applications, as well as in the study of fundamental physical phenomena and dynamics at the nanoscale. He also employs the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technique extensively towards the investigations of nanodevices. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Leonard Francis is responsible for the coordination of training actions related with electron microscopy.

 

RICARDO FERREIRA

Ricardo Ferreira is the Group Leader of the Spintronics research group at INL and Head of the Nano-Electronics and Nano-Engineering Department from February 2018. He received his PhD in Physics Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) in 2008 upon his work on ion beam deposited magnetic tunnel junctions targeting hard disk drive read heads, non‐volatile memories and magnetic field sensor applications. The current research goals include the linearization of full signal MgO MTJs, the production of magnetometers for operation under harsh conditions, the fabrication of magnetic field sensors targeting the detection of pT fields in the 1/f dominated frequency region, the production of devices that explore spin transfer and spin hall effects (nano-oscillators, MRAM cells, other nano-scale devices executing high level functions), the incorporation of perpendicular magnetization materials on MTJs and the monolithic integration of MTJs with MEMS and CMOS devices. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Ricardo Ferreira is responsible coordination training in new clean-room processes.

 

JOÃO GASPAR

João Gaspar is the Head of the Department on Micro and Nanofabrication of INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – and Leader of the Group on Microfabrication and Exploratory Nanotechnology. His research activities include the development of micro and nanofabrication processes and advanced silicon machining, general process integration and packaging, high-throughput wafer-scale testing and reliability of MEMS materials and devices, resonance and optical applications, electret- and piezoelectric-based 2-D resonant microenergy scavengers, sub-100-nm transducers and sensors, micro- and nanofluidics, microneedles and capillary arrays for intracellular recording applications and related post-CMOS processing. Author of ca. 80 scientific papers and more than 100 proceedings, his work has been presented at about 130 conferences. In addition to his activities with industrial, EC and national partners, João is also Auxiliar Professor at Técnico from the Technical University of Lisbon. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, João Gaspar is responsible coordination training in new clean-room processes.

 

MOHAMED BELMOUBARIK

Mohamed joined INL as a Research Engineer in Nanodevices Group, Department of Nanoelectronics Engineering, under Prof. Paulo Freitas’s supervision. After getting bachelor and master’s degrees (2006, 2008) in applied physics and electronic engineering from Tohoku, Mohamed joined NEC Corporation (2008-2010) as a hardware engineer for 2.5 years. Following his success in getting an individual research fund from the “Japan Society for the Promotion of Science” (known as JSPS), he accomplished his Ph. D thesis (Oct. 2010 – Sept. 2014) in the university mentioned above, followed by a postdoctoral fellow in collaboration with Kanazawa University.

During the period between April 2015 and November 2017, he joined the National Institute for Materials Sciences (NIMS) as an R&D scientist in the Japan governmental project for industry-oriented research. Now, he is focusing on the mass production and improvement of high-quality magnetic field sensors for automobiles applications. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Mohamed Belmoubarik is responsible for the acquisition, installation and operation of new equipment at the cleanroom.

 

PAULO COELHO

Paulo joined INL (January 2018) as a Research Engineer in the Spintronics group, department of Nanoelectronics Engineering, under the supervision of Ricardo Ferreira. He is currently working on the large-scale microfabrication and characterization of magnetic field sensors based on magnetic tunnel junction technology. Paulo obtained is MSc in Physics Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico in 2014 where he worked at INESC-MN on the development of magnetic flux concentrators with a gap size below 1um coupled to nanometric spin valve sensors.

In 2018, he obtained his PhD in Physics from the Université Grenoble-Alpes (France) where he studied and developed double barrier magnetic tunnel junctions with in-plane and out-of-plane anisotropy for magnetoresistive random access memories controlled by spin transfer torque (STT-MRAM) at SPINTEC labs (CEA Grenoble). He holds a patent for the development of a seedless multilayer with enhanced perpendicular anisotropy to be used as a top reference in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Paulo Coelho is responsible for ensuring cleanroom services.

 

OLIVER SCHRAIDT

Oliver is a biochemist and structural biologist with extensive experience in advanced electron microscopy. He received his PhD from the University of Vienna in 2010, working at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) and Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) with (cryo-)electron microscopy on the structure of macromolecular complexes. From 2011 onwards he worked as an interdisciplinary Post-Doc at the European Molecular Biological Laboratory (EMBL, Grenoble and Heidelberg), expanding his repertoire of advanced microscopy techniques in order to study the assembly and budding of Influenza virus. Before joining INL in 2018 as a cryo-electron microscopy Facility Manager, Oliver worked for two years as a project manager at the European Vaccine Initiative (EVI, Heidelberg). In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Oliver Schraidt is responsible for providing characterization services.

 

ALEC LAGROW

Alec is a physical chemist with extensive experience in nanomaterial characterization with aberration-corrected electron microscopes and in-situ transmission electron microscopy. He received his PhD in 2012 from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, working on the synthesis and structural characterization of shape-controlled nanoparticles. He carried out post-doctoral fellowships from 2013-2018 at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the University of York, and the University of College London working on the in-situ and ex-situ characterization of nanomaterials. Alec joined INL in 2018 as a Facility Manager in electron microscopy. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Alec LaGrow is responsible for ensuring sample preparation for microscopy services.

 

MARGARET COSTA

Margaret Costa is responsible for the design, implementation and continuous improvement of INL – Quality Management System according to ISO 9001 standard. From 2011 to 2016, she was integrated in the Department of Micro and Nanofabrication being responsible for the development of Photolithography and e-beam Lithography processes. Prior to joining INL, Margaret worked in a large semiconductor manufacturing plant as a process engineer for the Wafer Level Package Area. Margaret received both Degree and Master in Chemical Engineering from the University of Porto and is currently pursuing a PhD in Technological Physics Engineering from IST, Lisbon. Her work aims at the Integration of Hybrid Spintronic and MEMS devices. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Margaret Costa is responsible for the coordination of training actions on processes and quality.

 

MARINA DIAS

Marina holds an MSc in Science Economics and Innovation Management from the Lisbon School of Economics and Management (ISEG) and has a background on life sciences. Marina Dias is since November 2015 Business and Strategic Relations Officer at INL focusing on the creation of long term value through strategic relations with private and public organisations. She has broad experience in the design and implementation of RTD policies and programmes, having worked – inter alia- from 2008 to 2015 with STECF/JRC, the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries from the Joint Research Centre. She also served as Project Manager in the subject fields of innovation, Responsible Research and Innovation and multi-stakeholders governance with IPMA, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere. At INL she focus on business development, on the design driven innovation initiative and has responsibilities in several coordination and support actions aiming at establishing innovation hubs and translating the knowledge base of Key Enabling Technologies (KET) into market. She also provides advice to researchers on RTD and innovation funding schemes. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Marina Dias is responsible for project and innovation management.

 

VIRGINIA CHU | vchu@inesc-mn.pt        

Virgina Chu holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering (Princeton University) and a Post-Doctoral fellow at the LPICM in the École Polytechnique, Palaiseau France. Currently, Virgina Chu is a senior researcher and member of Direction of INESC MN and a co-leader of the MEMS and BioMEMS group. Current research interests include thin film semiconductor devices, MEMS based on thin film silicon and microfluidics. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Virgina Chu is responsible for the coordination of the acquisition of the equipment and the operation of the cleanroom infrastructure

 

JOÃO PEDRO CONDE | joao.conde@tecnico.ulisboa.pt

João Pedro Conde holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering (Princeton University) and a Post-Doctoral fellow at IBM Yorktown Heights. He is currently a full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico (U. Lisbon) and President of the Bioengineering Department, as well as a Senior Researcher and member of the Direction of INESC MN and group leader of the MEMS and BioMEMS group. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, João Pedro Conde is responsible for the technical specifications of the PECVD system, as well as for coordination of training actions.

 

SUSANA CARDOSO FREITAS | scardoso@inesc-mn.pt

Susana Cardoso de Freitas holds a PhD in Physics Engineering from Instituto Superior Tecnico (IST) and a Post-Doctoral fellow at INESC MN on magnetic thin films by Ion Beam Deposition. Since 2014, she is an associated Professor in the Physics Department at IST-UL, and currently a group leader of Spintronics and Magnetic Biosensors group at INESC MN. Her research interests include thin film deposition by Ion Beam, MTJs, non-volatile memories, magnetic multilayers, and thin film optimization for biosensors and low magnetic field detection. In the scope of the Micro&NanoFab, Susana Cardoso de Freitas is responsible for the coordination of new services offer and new technologies.

 

VERÓNICA C. MARTINS ROMÃO, PhD | vromao@inesc-mn-pt

Verónica Romão holds a PhD in Biotechnology (IST-UTL) and has more than 15 years of scientific research experience in top-level institutes at the bio-nanotech interface. Her background is in the development of biosensors/biochips making use of immunoassays, molecular biology and biochemical methods. Co-founded Magnomics S.A., a med-tech startup company, spin-off from INESC-MN and INESC-ID, focused on delivering a lab-on-a-chip platform. Currently, Verónica Romão is an associate researcher at INESC MN devoted to the development of bioanalytical devices with the exploitation of novel biorecognition strategies and alternative bioligands. In the scope of Micro&NanoFabs@PT, Verónica Romão is working in the infrastructure preparation and adaptation for installation of new equipment, as well as monitoring of new machines operations.

 

RITA MACEDO, PhD | rmacedo@inesc-mn.pt

Rita Macedo holds a PhD in Physics Engineering  (IST-UTL) and was a postdoctoral fellow at UC Davis and later at UC Berkeley, developing hybrid magnetic heterostructures. Has 10+ years of hands-on experience in clean room procedures and a strong expertise in the areas of micro- and nanotechnologies and corresponding applications. Co-founded Picosense Inc., a start-up developing a hybrid magnetic sensor for heart monitoring and has experience in transfer of knowledge and innovation. Currently, Rita Macedo is an associate researcher at INESC MN in areas related with the development and optimization of microfabrication processes and integration strategies for magneto-resistive devices and sensing applications. In the scope of Micro&NanoFabs@PT, Rita Macedo is working in the installation and qualification (acceptance) of the new equipment and optimization of machine processes to provide new services and technologies.

 

SOFIA AIRES MARTINS, PhD | smartins@inesc-mn.pt

Sofia Martins holds a PhD in Biotechnology  (IST-UTL) and has 10+ years of postdoctoral experience providing technical support to R&D projects in the field of molecular diagnostics and nanotechnology. She holds a post-graduation in Project Management and co-founded a start-up in the field of molecular diagnostic devices (Magnomics SA). Currently, Sofia Martins is an associate researcher at INESC MN, committed to strengthen the presence of INESC MN in both National and European projects as well as in international Infrastructure’s networks. In the scope of Micro&NanoFabs@PT, she is working in the installation of new equipment and dissemination of new services and technologies to potential users in the academic and industrial sector.

 

FERNANDO SILVA | fsilva@inesc-mn-pt

Fernando Silva holds a degree in Material Science and Engineering (FCT-UNL) and a Master in business management (ISEG) and is a Process Engineer since 1993 (at INESC MN since 2002) dedicated to PECVD and PVD processes. In the scope of Micro&NanoFabs@PT, Fernando Silva is responsible for the services to the new machines, ensuring equipment operation and general maintenance.

 

José Bernardo | jbernardo@inesc-mn.pt

José Bernardo holds a degree in Material Science and Engineering (FCT-UNL) and a Master in business management (ISEG) and is a Process Engineer since 1993 (at INESC MN since 2002) dedicated to Lithography and PVD processes. In the scope of Micro&NanoFabs@PT, José Bernardo is responsible for the services to the new machines, ensuring equipment operation and general maintenance.

 

VIRGÍNIA SOARES | vsoares@inesc-mn.pt

Virgínia Soares holds a degree in Material Science and Engineering (Université Pierre et Marie Curie) and is a Process Engineer since 1993 (at INESC MN since 2002) dedicated to RIE and SEM. In the scope of Micro&NanoFabs@PT, she provides support to the characterization  of new processes.

 

HIGINO CORREIA

Higino Correia obtained in 1999 a PhD degree at the Laboratory for Electronic Instrumentation, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, working in the field of microsystems for optical spectral analysis. Presently, he is a Full Professor at Department of Industrial Electronics, University of Minho, Portugal. His professional interests are in micromachining and microfabrication technology for mixed-mode systems, solid-state integrated sensors, microactuators and microsystems. Professor Correia is the technical coordinator of CMEMS-UMinho in Micro&NanoFabs@PT project.

 

LUÍS GONÇALVES

Luis Gonçalves graduated in 1993 and received his MSc degree in 1999, both in Industrial Electronics Engineering at University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal. From 1993 to 2002 he researched on embedded systems and electronics, on Idite-Minho, an Institute to interface between University and industry, Braga, Portugal. Since 2008, he has been lecturing at Electronics Department, University of Minho as Assistant Professor. His PhD thesis was on thermoelectric microsystems for on-chip cooling and energy harvesting. His professional interests are thin-film devices for thermoelectric energy applications, micromachining and microfabrication technology, solid-state integrated microsystems. Professor Gonçalves is a senior researcher of CMEMS-UMinho in Micro&NanoFabs@PT project.

 

MANUEL SILVA

Manuel Silva graduated in 2008, in Informatics, at the Polytechnic Institute of Cavado and Ave, Barcelos, Portugal. In 2010, he obtained his MSc degree on Micro/Nanotechnologies and in 2015 his PhD in medical microdevices at the University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal. His past work focused on thermoelectric materials, design and fabrication of energy harvesting systems for stand-alone microsystems. Manuel Silva is a doctor junior researcher hired by CMEMS-UMinho in Micro&NanoFabs@PT project for dealing with the equipment and its installation.