Everything turns into a screen – Sunday

The main goal of Elvira Fortunato is to turn paper or glass into a screen. And it is at CENIMAT, the Materials Research Center of the New University of Lisbon (whose scientist is vice-rector), that this project is underway. The group of Elvira researchers produces electronic components a thousand times smaller than a hair that will allow the transformation of any material – glass, paper or even plastic – into a screen. But to have flexible electronics on any surface, you need to develop low cost, recyclable and environmentally friendly materials.

Given this giant step, screens can take all forms and shapes. From a bracelet used by firefighters to detect the presence of flammable gases, thanks to intelligent packaging with sensors that tell you if the food is out of time, or even rapid diagnostic tests 100 times cheaper than the current ones. An innovation that "nobody has ever made", says the researcher, recognized by the European Research Council. In 2008, the body, under the authority of Commissioner Carlos Moedas, granted funding of 2.25 million euros to Elvira Fortunato.

Advances in research have already placed the Portuguese scientist among the world's top five researchers in transparent electronics. Now Elvira Fortunato has received a second European funding of 3.5 million euros for a project that promises to further revolutionize the field of electronics. This was the most important financial support ever given by the European Research Council in Portugal