• 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.

    ATLAS Detector
  • High Energy Astrophysics

    Addressing open questions through gamma-ray observations from the most energetic phenomena in the universe.

    The MAGIC Telescopes
  • 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.

    Aerial view of Virgo
  • Medical Imaging

    Using our expertise with sophisticated radiation detectors to develop advanced medical imaging devices.

    VIP
  • Quantum Computing Technologies

    Achieving an advantage over conventional computers to solve problems which are ubiquitous in society.

    QCT Lab
  • From particles to the Cosmos

    IFAE conducts experimental and theoretical research at the frontiers of fundamental physics.

The IFAE Severo Ochoa Program

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

SO Award

SO News

  • 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:

Testing

IFAE's Gamma-ray group completes SiPM irradiation campaign for space missions

July 10, 2026

The group successfully tested SiPM sensors under realistic irradiation conditions to assess their suitability for future space-based gamma-ray and cosmic-ray missions.

Event

IFAE's Severo Ochoa programme brings jazz, history and physics together in a sold-out public event

July 10, 2026

A sold-out audience of around 300 people gathered for ‘Sota l’eclipsi: jazz i física de l’univers’, an outreach event supported by IFAE’s Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence programme. Bringing together history, fundamental physics and live jazz, the evening explored how eclipses have transformed our understanding of the Universe while highlighting the dialogue between scientific discovery and artistic creation.

New facility

New Thermal Vacuum Chamber inaugurated at IFAE

June 23, 2026

A new Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVAC) has been inaugurated at the Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) on the campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). The facility will enable satellites and space technologies to be tested under conditions representative of Earth’s orbit, expanding the capabilities available to the research and space technology communities. The TVAC is a joint project of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) and IFAE, made possible through funding from the CERCA Ginys III programme, together with additional support from the Government of Catalonia, the IEEC and IFAE.

Meeting

Medipix meeting in Barcelona

June 11, 2026

IFAE hosted the Medipix Collaboration Meeting in Barcelona, bringing together over 50 international participants for scientific discussions and visits to IFAE laboratories, IMB-CNM, and ALBA Synchrotron.

Artist in residence

George Mahashe begins artist residency at IFAE

June 5, 2026

Artist and researcher George Mahashe has begun a two-month residency at IFAE within the Platform Dalí programme, exploring connections between scientific research, image-making and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

Recognition

IFAE Communication Unit recognised as a UCC+I by FECYT

May 28, 2026

IFAE’s Communication Unit has received provisional recognition from FECYT as an official Unit of Scientific Culture and Innovation (UCC+I), acknowledging its work in science communication, outreach and education, and the collaborative efforts of IFAE research groups in bringing science closer to society.

  • MastercosmosBCN Poster

    Education

    MastercosmosBCN

    Postgraduate Program in High Energy Physics, Astrophysics & Cosmology

  • MastercosmosBCN Poster

    Education

    MMRES

    Full-time one-year programme with highly flexible and personalised hands-on research training in a multidisciplinary research environment.

  • Master in Quantum Science & Technology Poster

    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.