Research in this field is essential in supporting the development of microelectronics technology, where miniaturization plays a dominant role, pushing to the development of new materials and processes allowing the fabrication and proper functioning of the miniaturized devices.

Novel specific processes and schemes, and related materials, are also needed in the area of sensors and microsystems. Furthermore, the recent expansion of the broader field of Nanotechnology, referring not only to the fabrication of novel electronic and photonic devices but also to a large number of applications in areas such as biotechnology, medicine, health care, materials, environment, pushes strongly among others to the development of novel micro-nano fabrication routes suitable for these emerging applications. The expertise of IMEL researchers and its infrastructure provide the basis for the involvement in this emerging attractive field and significant results have been already demonstrated. The activity in this area enhances the impact of the Institute in the national research environment through collaboration with groups from other fields (e.g. biology, chemistry, medicine) that need support in order to launch and/or continue research effort to this exciting direction.