NEWS & EVENTS

Pablo Barreiro’s doctoral thesis has caught the attention of the newspaper Faro de Vigo. The article, written by Sandra Penelas, highlights the significant impact of his work on the conservation of rock art.

In his thesis, recently defended at the Centro de Investigación en Tecnologías, Energía y Procesos Industriales (CINTECX), Pablo Barreiro explored the use of laser techniques for the cleaning and conservation of rock engravings at sites in the Côa Valley (Portugal) and Siega Verde (Spain). His innovative approach, using neodymium and erbium lasers to treat biological patinas on granite and schist, offers new possibilities in the conservation of cultural heritage.

Pablo’s research, led by professors Iago Pozo and Pío González, demonstrates how advanced technologies can complement traditional methods and improve the preservation of valuable archaeological sites. Faro de Vigo’s coverage by Sandra Penelas highlights the relevance of this work and the crucial role of UVigo in leading innovative research projects.

We are delighted to see that Pablo’s thesis continues to generate interest and recognition!

For more details about this news, please visit the following link

Congratulations to Laura on the successful defense of her Thesis on “Heated graphene oxide-based devices for biomedical applications”

This work represents a comprehensive and multidisciplinary investigation, covering fundamental aspects of materials science, biomedical engineering and nanotechnology. Throughout her study, Laura has explored how graphene oxide can be used to develop heatable devices with potential applications in the biomedical field, from heat therapy to controlled drug release.

This work represents a comprehensive, multidisciplinary investigation, encompassing fundamental aspects of materials science, biomedical engineering and nanotechnology.

Laura presented her research in an entertaining and informative manner, capturing the attention and interest of the committee and attendees. Her ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible way is a testament to her deep knowledge of the topic and her dedication throughout the research process.

We are convinced that Laura’s work will not only contribute significantly to the field of biomedicine, but will also open up new opportunities for the use of graphene oxide in various applications.

Congratulations, Doctor!

The collaboration between the New Materials group at CINTECX, Uvigo, and IVI-Vigo has resulted in a groundbreaking study presented at the recent 34th Congress of the Spanish Fertility Society, held on 24 May in A Coruña.

Jesús Aguilar, director of the In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) laboratory at IVI-Vigo, shared the results of this study, which focused on the stimulation of sperm motility and its possible DNA fragmentation through the application of 633 nm laser radiation. The findings revealed a significant increase in the motility of sluggish and inactive sperm, with no evidence of DNA damage.

This breakthrough represents an important milestone in the field of fertility and assisted reproduction, paving the way for the possible application of laser radiation in future treatments.
The collaboration between the FA3 Group of UVigo and IVI-Vigo demonstrates the power of teamwork and synergy between institutions to promote research and innovation in the medical field.

Congratulations to Jesús Aguilar for his outstanding studies and successful presentation at the congress!

We would like to share the success of our colleague, Pablo Barreiro Castro, in the defence of his doctoral thesis entitled ‘Application of laser techniques in the conservation and restoration of archaeological sites’.

In his research, Pablo has explored the potential of laser techniques for the conservation and restoration of archaeological sites. His work offers new perspectives and innovative solutions for the preservation of cultural heritage.

Congratulations, Pablo!

Betty León Fong has been awarded with the Scientific Woman Award 2024 by the IES Val Miñor de Nigrán. The award ceremony took place this Monday at the school, with the participation of the general director of Educational Planning and Innovation, Judith Fernández.

It is a well-deserved award, given for her outstanding contribution to research and her tireless work to promote scientific vocations, especially among women. Since the creation of the New Materials research group in 1982 at the University of Vigo, she has led innovative research in areas such as industrial applications of lasers and biomaterials for bone implants.

His recent lecture at IES Val Miñor, entitled ‘Applied physics is great fun’, reflects his passion for science and his commitment to inspire future generations of researchers. We are honoured to have his invaluable contribution as a member of our group.

Next May 31, the University of Vigo will organize for the first time in Pontevedra the scientific fair “A Ciencia que Vén”. This event aims to bring the work of the University’s research staff closer to the public and to show the benefits of their studies for the advancement of society, as well as to encourage scientific vocations. The Plaza de la Ferraría will be the setting for this day, where 14 tents will host workshops and activities aimed at a family audience, providing a playful and fun way to discover scientific applications in various fields.

And one of these stands will be that of the New Materials Group FA3 of CINTECX, which will present innovative clinical applications of biomaterials and biomedical devices. Our group joins other research teams to offer a comprehensive view of the impact of science on our daily lives.

The event will run from 16:30 to 19:30 and will also include two presentations of informative books and a colloquium on the food of the future, as well as a role-playing game on the consequences of the climate crisis, to be held at the Museum of Pontevedra.

Organized by the Unit of Scientific Culture and Innovation (UCC+I) of UVigo, this fair is part of the annual program of activities 2023/2024 of the plan “Ciencia de Ida e Volta” and has the support of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, and the Provincial Council of Pontevedra. Under the slogan “Inflorescence”, special emphasis is placed on the role of women in science and research.

For more information, visit the website.

One more year, the interdisciplinary project “Descubrindo o Norte 2023-24” brings students closer to the University of Vigo. Focused on orienteering sport as the backbone, the main objective of this project is to promote healthy lifestyle habits through physical, educational, cultural and social activities, integrating curricular content in a practical way. It also aims to awaken scientific curiosity and develop a greater sensitivity towards the environment and cultural heritage.

One more year, the interdisciplinary project “Descubrindo o Norte 2023-24” brings students closer to the University of Vigo. Focused on orienteering sport as the backboneThe program includes scientific workshops, taught by Pío González, Julia Serra and Isabel Pastoriza, environmental itineraries and presentations on biomaterials, providing participants with a complete and enriching experience in the field of science and technology.

From 18 to 21 June in Santiago de Compostela we will be able to attend a course specialised in 3D Bioprinting organised by the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) and the University Carlos III of Madrid. This event is part of the European project IBEROS+, which brings together more than 150 researchers from the Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion, focused on biofabrication for healthy ageing.

3D bioprinting is an emerging technology that allows the creation of three-dimensional structures through the use of living cells and biocompatible materials, thus revolutionising regenerative medicine. The course is aimed at a diverse audience, including undergraduate, masters and PhD students, as well as faculty and research staff, biotech companies and the general public. Registration at a reduced rate is open until 7 June for students, pensioners and unemployed people.

During the course, the new Master’s Degree in Bio-manufacturing, which is expected to start in September at the three Galician universities, will be presented. This master’s degree will offer advanced training in biofabrication, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with an interdisciplinary approach.

IBEROS+ Project

The IBEROS+ project is funded by the Operational Programme for Cross-border Cooperation Interreg Spain-Portugal 2021-2027 (POCTEP) and has a budget of 2.2 million euros. Its objective is to develop R&D in biofabrication to address the socio-health challenges of ageing in the Euroregion and the European Union.

More information

We have just learned that Pedra de Ançã, an emblematic Portuguese limestone, has been officially classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This important recognition was recently announced in an old quarry in Cantanhede, Portugal, where the stone originated.

This nomination is the result of multidisciplinary and multinational research carried out last summer in which our colleague Pablo Barreiro actively participated.

To learn more about the importance of this stone in Portuguese history and culture, we invite you to read our previous article: Discovering the sculptural legacy at Pedra de Ançã and to visit this link.

This week, Iago Lisardo Fernández Aguiar and Aarón Davila Camiña have successfully defended their final degree projects. Both have developed LabVIEW programs that will be very useful in our 193nm laser processing clean room.

Congratulations and we wish you all the best in your academic and professional future!

In collaboration with the Iberos+ network, we have reached a new milestone in the creation of implants for bone regeneration, using marine resources such as the skin and teeth of blue sharks. The implants, made from fish discards, represent a significant advance in the field of regenerative medicine.

These implants, made from fish discards, represent a significant advance in the field of regenerative medicine. Not only are they more effective than current devices, but they also offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.

We are also pleased to announce the launch of a new master’s degree in Biofabrication, a pioneering initiative in Spain and one of the few in Europe. This unique training programme, taught jointly by the universities of Vigo, Santiago and A Coruña, offers comprehensive training in biofabrication, bioprinting, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

The master’s degree is designed to train a new generation of multidisciplinary professionals, ready to face the challenges of the future in the field of biotechnology. With a practical and collaborative approach, students will acquire skills and knowledge that will prepare them to contribute significantly to the advancement of science and innovation.

This article from Faro de Vigo provides further information.

The CACTI, with three decades of experience, has become a fundamental pillar for the university community in its quest for excellence in research and technology transfer. However, despite its long history, there are still members of our community who are unaware of the wide range of services and resources it offers.

For this reason, under the slogan “So close, so far. Come and meet us”, an open day will be held on Thursday 18 April. It will be a unique opportunity for researchers, academics and students to get to know first-hand its state-of-the-art facilities, innovative techniques, specialised instrumentation and analytical possibilities.

In order to provide as much accessibility as possible, two sessions have been organised, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each session is limited to 40 participants, so it is important to book via the online form as soon as possible.

During the day, CACTI experts will be available to answer questions, discuss potential projects and provide detailed information about the services and work they provide.

For more details about the open day and to book your place, visit the website.

Today is a special day to celebrate and reflect on the role of women in science and technology! Coinciding with #8M, International Women’s Day, we want to share the testimony of the female researchers who participated in the CINTECX Open Camera event, among them, our colleague Julia Serra.

In this video, available at the CINTECX Open Camera link, outstanding STEM women share their experiences, from their school years to their incursion into the world of technological-industrial research.

Find out what their experience at university was like, the challenges they faced and how they finally decided to move forward in this exciting field of research.

We certainly have to thank all the participants for sharing their personal stories. We are sure that this will help many women and girl students, as well as many students in general, to discover the endless possibilities of pursuing research in this field.

These women are an inspiring example and a true role model! Each one of them shows us the way to a more equal future full of opportunities for all.

The LandCRAFT Coa project took us to Poço Torto in the Foz-Coa archaeological park in Portugal. This is one of the most important archaeological sites of Palaeolithic art in the open air in Europe. There, a representative of the New Materials group participated in the portable Raman characterisation of recently discovered cave paintings. This device allows a non-invasive and highly accurate analysis of the pigments used in the paintings, revealing crucial details about their composition and origin.

The Landcraft Coa project is funded by the Portuguese FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) under the Centre for Studies in Archaeology, Art and Heritage Sciences of the University of Coimbra, with Lara Bacelar Álves as director.

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UVIGO Working Group of CEEIBIS (State Council of Biomedical Engineering and Health Engineering Students) organised an interactive talk on Advanced and Smart Biomaterials. The event, which took place at Cintecx, brought together Biomedical Engineering students to explore the latest advances in the field of biotechnology. During the talk, participants had the opportunity to explore the world of biomaterials, from those in current clinical use to the latest innovations in tissue engineering. With a focus on practical application and impact on healthcare, concrete examples of biomaterials and biomedical devices were discussed, highlighting both existing developments and research carried out by UVIGO’s “Novos Materiais” group. Using our materials display, we explored a wide range of materials and devices, illustrating the diversity and potential of biomedical engineering today and giving participants the opportunity to visualise and understand first-hand how science and technology are transforming the field of healthcare. We are delighted to have participated in this science outreach activity. It is essential to encourage student interest and participation in this constantly evolving field. Events like this are an excellent way to inspire the next generation of biomedical engineers.