Institut de Física d'Altes Energies- IFAE

Severo Ochoa Excellence program
Through strategic actions we are reinforcing our leadership in fundamental physics and driving societal impact.
Particle Physics
Pushing the frontiers of knowledge by making precise measurements in the ATLAS experiment at the LHC.
High Energy Astrophysics
Addressing open questions through gamma-ray observations from the most energetic phenomena in the universe.
Observational Cosmology
Shedding light on the nature of the mysterious dark energy, responsible for the current accelerated expansion of the universe.
Neutrino Physics
Understanding the fundamental phenomena that produced the observed asymmetry between matter and antimatter in the universe.
Gravitational Waves
The beginning of a new era in the exploration of the universe.
Medical Imaging
Using our expertise with sophisticated radiation detectors to develop advanced medical imaging devices.
Quantum Computing Technologies
Achieving an advantage over conventional computers to solve problems which are ubiquitous in society.
From particles to the Cosmos
IFAE conducts experimental and theoretical research at the frontiers of fundamental physics.

Highlights

Highlight

IFAE celebrates 35 years of research, collaboration and scientific ambition

September 29, 2026

The anniversary event at the CCCB in Barcelona brought together the IFAE community and institutional partners to celebrate the people and collaborations that have shaped the institute, reflect on its impact and look ahead to its future.

Highlight

Four Large-Sized Telescopes to be inaugurated at CTAO-North in La Palma

September 17, 2026

On 15 October 2026, the CTAO Large-Sized Telescope Collaboration will inaugurate the complete array of four LSTs at CTAO-North in La Palma, marking the completion of all Large-Sized Telescopes planned for the site. IFAE’s Gamma-ray Group has contributed to the project throughout its development, with roles spanning collaboration management, technical coordination, camera integration, telescope hardware and data-analysis software.

Highlight

Prof. Mario Martínez named new Director of IFAE

September 7, 2026

Mario Martínez has been nominated as the new Director of IFAE by the institute’s Governing Board. He will take office on November 1, 2026, succeeding Eugenio Coccia. An ICREA Research Professor at IFAE since 2004, Mario Martínez is currently Deputy Director, leads the institute’s Gravitational Waves Group, and is Scientific Director of IFAE’s Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence programme.

The IFAE Severo Ochoa Program

Latest news, milestones, open positions and highlights from the IFAE Severo Ochoa Excellence Program.

Title
Severo Ochoa programme brings jazz, history and physics together in a sold-out public event
Description
The IFAE Severo Ochoa Visitor Program brings frontier physics closer to society through culture and dialogue
Date
Posted on: July 27, 2026

Title
IFAE launches the Severo Ochoa Proof of Concept programme
Description
The Severo Ochoa Proof of Concept (SOPoC) programme supports IFAE researchers in validating innovative early-stage ideas and generating the preliminary results needed to secure future competitive funding.
Date
Posted on: June 1, 2026

Title
First Severo Ochoa Research Visits Strengthen International Collaboration at IFAE
Description
The first researchers hosted through the IFAE Severo Ochoa Incoming Visitors Programme have completed successful research stays at the institute, strengthening international collaborations across particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology.
Date
Posted on: April 15, 2026

View all activities

News

Meeting

Spain’s Einstein Telescope community meets in Barcelona to prepare a common roadmap

November 6, 2026

IFAE and BSC-CNS brought together around 40 specialists in Barcelona to coordinate Spain’s participation in Einstein Telescope and lay the groundwork for a common roadmap for the future gravitational-wave observatory.

Milestone

IFAE publishes its 2025 Annual Report

October 20, 2026

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) has published its 2025 Annual Report, presenting the institute’s main scientific achievements, technological developments and institutional activities throughout the year.

Milestone

Over 200 Experts Contribute to Einstein Telescope Geometry Comparison Report

October 14, 2026

The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the two possible geometrical configurations for the Einstein Telescope, Europe’s future gravitational-wave observatory, and will inform decisions on its design.

Recognition

2026 Nobel Prize in Physics: the birth of high-energy neutrino astronomy

October 7, 2026

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics recognises Francis Halzen’s pioneering role in high-energy neutrino astronomy. IFAE is connected to this achievement through MAGIC’s contribution to identifying a likely cosmic neutrino source.

Event

IFAE closes European Researchers’ Night at CosmoCaixa with jazz and physics

September 30, 2026

IFAE took part in European Researchers’ Night at CosmoCaixa with hands-on cosmology activities and a closing performance combining jazz and fundamental physics.

Milestone

PIC completes migration of its tape storage system to CERN Tape Archive

September 23, 2026

The Port d’Informació Científica (PIC) has migrated its tape storage infrastructure from Enstore to the CERN Tape Archive (CTA), a major step in preparing its systems for the High-Luminosity LHC era.

Events

Education
MastercosmosBCN
Postgraduate Program in High Energy Physics, Astrophysics & Cosmology
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Education
MMRES
Full-time one-year programme with highly flexible and personalised hands-on research training in a multidisciplinary research environment.
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Education
Master in Quantum Science & Technology
Aimed at graduates in Physics, Physical Engineering or equivalent degrees who want to continue specialization studies in Quantum Science and Technologies.
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