About IFAE

IFAE at a glance

Institut de Física d'Altes Energies (IFAE)

The hottest topics in fundamental physics, from particles to the Cosmos.

Founded in 1991
For more than 30 years we have been exploring the cosmic & high energy frontiers
150 people
Researchers, engineers and support personnel
Basic & Applied research
We perform basic research in fundamental physics and applied research in instrumentation, medical applications and quantum computing technologies
Three divisions
IFAE is structured in three divisions (theoretical, experimental, technical) and an administrative area, and manages PIC, jointly with CIEMAT.
Research lines
The Experimental Division is organized in three main lines: Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology & Applied Physics.
One large engineering group
IFAE has a strong technical division with about 30 persons including engineers and technicians of invaluable experience playing a crucial role in all experiments.
International experiments
Collaboration in 13 international experiments in high impact / leadership positions (ATLAS, MAGIC, DES, T2K, PAU, CTA, DESI, Euclid, LSST, Virgo, Einstein Telescope, ...)
State-of-the-art facilities
Chip packaging & assembly, clean rooms, shielded room, electronics labs, optical lab, mechanical workshop (300 m2)
Data-processing centre
PIC is part of the Spanish Supercomputing Network, a recognized Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructure offering advanced data services to the broad scientific community, including many physics groups.
Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology
IFAE is a member of BIST since 2015, created to foster interdisciplinary research and share common services. IFAE’s partners come from different scientific areas: Nanoscience (ICN2), Photonics (ICFO), Bioengineering (IBEC), Chemistry (ICIQ), Biomedicine (IRB), and Genomics (CRG).
Awarded the Severo Ochoa accreditation of excellence (2012, 2016)
Twice awarded the Severo Ochoa accreditation of excellence (2012, 2016)