innovation and R&D

Our DNA

Research & Development and Innovation has been one of the keys to ISQ’s track record throughout nearly 50 years of its existence.
This characteristic is based on continuously anticipating the needs of the business environment and on the development of adequate response capabilities, based around 3 fundamental aspects:

Adequate facilities
Technologically advanced equipment
High-level human resources

In partnership with over 1200 industrial and academic partners, both in Portugal and around the world, ISQ promotes the transfer of technology to industry, contributing to greater sustainability and development of the business fabric.

As a result of the R&D activities, emphasis should be placed on the recent applications of automated Phased Array and Guided Wave technology in oil industry facilities in Portugal and internationally, the application of life cycle assessment and Eco-Design in the development of new sustainable products, the smart monitoring of cathodic protection systems and the characterisation and control of coatings, and the use of automated Phased Array technology in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanks.

Centres for Research and Development + Innovation

ISQ’s R&D+i activity is coordinated around four centres, which address the priority areas.

Low Carbon and Resource Efficiency RC

This RC focuses on research into energy efficiency, resource efficiency, risk management and environmental observation solutions. It has already created solutions in the fields of measuring eco-efficiency in industrial processes, industrial symbiosis strategies, thermal process optimisation and nano-safety services.

Glowing hexagonal cells on a concrete background. Abstract background with geometric structure.

Materials and Technologies RC

This RC focuses on research into materials characterisation, non-destructive testing, production technologies and asset management. It has already created solutions for high impact testing, corrosion stress fracture testing, advanced wind tower welding inspection systems, high temperature non-destructive inspections, non-destructive inspections in additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing)

Circuit board and AI micro processor, Artificial intelligence of digital human. 3d render

Intelligent and Digital Systems RC

This RC researches Decision Making, Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0. It has already created process optimisation systems for water distribution, virtual and augmented reality systems to support complex processes, i4.0 maturity assessments for industry, data analytics for industry, and display and artificial intelligence systems for agricultural crops.

Lightbulb and wooden blocks with innovation basic links. Business ideas inspiration and innovation.

Training and Qualifications RC

This RC conducts research into emerging technical and technological qualifications, innovative education methodologies, approaches and tools and sector strategies for training and qualifications in Europe. It has already created the “Process Engineer” and “Design Technician” European certification in additive manufacturing, and the “Buildings Energy Efficiency Technician” European qualifications, as well as b-learning programmes in the area of sustainability and the circular economy.

ISQ has been a partner or coordinator in more than 500 R&D projects (since the 1980s) and participates in the IXV programmes (European Space Agency re-entry vehicle), ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), CERN (Large Hadron Collider), projects ALMA and E-ELT (European Extremely Large Telescope) of ESO (European Southern Observatory).

In the annual ranking of the 100 companies that spend the most on R&D activities in Portugal, published by GPEARI (Planning, Strategy, Assessment and International Relations Office) based on the Survey of National Scientific and Technological Potential, ISQ has continuously been among the top 50 in the period between 2007 and 2009.

Over this period its average investment was close to 5 million euros, and in 2009 it ranked 6th in terms of the number of PhD holders assigned to R&D activities, measured in Full Time Equivalents (FTE).

ITER

ITER is under construction in Saint-Paul-lez-Durance (Cadarache), southern France. The buildings and infrastructure required for “First Plasma” are 75% complete and the assembly of the equipment is underway. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 with “First Plasma”.

From 2025 onwards, experiments will be conducted with gradual power increases, interspersed with process development periods. Start-up at full power is planned for 2035.

Assigned Teams

PORTUGAL · Oeiras

1st SEVERAL INSPECTORS CARRY OUT SPOT INSPECTIONS OF THE DIFFERENT F4E SUPPLIERS

SPAIN · F4E (Barcelona)

2nd MAGNETS, IN VESSEL, QUALITY TEAM

FRANCE · ITER Site (Cadarache)

3rd MAGNETS, QUALITY TEAM, PF COILS

4th CNIM (LA SEYNE SUR MER) – TF COIL

5th ATMOSTAT (PARIS) – IN VESSEL

ITALY · Walter Tosto

6th VACCUM VASSEL, BODY CASSETTE

7th MAGGIAROTTI (MONFALCONI) – VESSEL VACCUM

8th SIMIC (PORTO MARGHERA) — MAGNETS

CERN

For several years an ISQ team monitored the manufacturing and installation of different components, accessories and structures for what is considered one of the largest research projects of our time. Here, it all starts with a “simple” canister of hydrogen — “The Bottle to Bang”.

ESA

Over the last few years, ISQ and ESA have been partners in several projects, in particular the recent assessment of the availability and suitability of surface treatments as an alternative to those containing hexavalent chromium

CNES / ARIANESPACE – KOUROU

A team has been part of the quality assurance service since 2003, working in the areas of Soil Quality, Fluids and Mechanics, Safety, Onboard Quality and Satellites. Yet again, hydrogen functions here as the fuel for the main stage of Ariane 5.

Chempharm

Acronym: CHEMpharm Project Name: CHEMpharm: Process VET from CHEMI to Pharma Grant agreement no: 2015-1-NOO1-KA202-013278 Total cost: 23024,00€ Total Funding 23024,00€ OBJECTIVES: The “ChemPharm VET” project builds on previous achievements (tested in a previous project- Pile Up) to formulate the requirements for developing...

Starting Year: 2015

Project Area: VET Projects

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