outreach activity
IFAE joins CCCB for “Radical Science”: A Cultural Project Exploring 21st-Century Scientific Frontiers
January 15, 2025
IFAEThe High Energy Physics Institute (IFAE) is one of four research centres that collaborate with the Barcelona Center for Contemporary Culture (CCCB) in a series of events called “Radical Science”, a cultural initiative that showcases how cutting-edge scientific research is transforming our world.
This ambitious project unites the four Complementary Plans led by catalan institutions (Astrophyiscs and High-Energy Physics , Quantum Communication, Advanced Materials, and Biotechnology for Health) and the Barcelona Center for Contemporary Culture (CCCB). Together, they aim to foster dialogue between science, humanities, and the arts while highlighting the leadership in advanced research and innovation.
The Launch Event
On January 20, 2025, “Radical Science” will kick off with a roundtable discussion featuring the directors of the four research centers leading complimentary plans in catalonia: Eugenio Coccia (IFAE), Lluís Torner (ICFO), Caterina Biscari (Sincrotró ALBA), and Josep Samitier (IBEC). Moderated by science communicator Toni Pou, the session will delve into Catalonia’s contributions to cutting-edge research, from astrophysics to quantum communication, and their societal impact. The event will also include the premiere of Superradiance, an audiovisual work blending artificial intelligence, dance, and neuroscience by Memo Akten and Katie Peyton Hofstadter.
A Program Bridging Science, Society, and Art
The “Radical Science” program extends beyond its opening event to offer a comprehensive series of debates and artistic collaborations, addressing ethical, social, and technological challenges posed by scientific advancements:
- Quantum Physics (January 24, 2025): Ignacio Cirac (Max Planck Institute), Anna Fontcuberta (EPFL), and Michele Catanzaro (science journalist).
- Energy Transition (February 21-22, 2025): Featuring Vaclav Smil, Beatriz Roldán (Fritz Haber Institute), and Mar Reguant (ICREA).
- Biomedicine and Ethics (April 22-29, 2025): Katherine A. High (scientist), Salvador Macip (researcher), and Robert Langer (MIT), among others.
- Cosmic Exploration (May 15-16, 2025): Didier Queloz (University of Cambridge), Nathalie Cabrol (SETI Institute), Gabriela González (LSU), and Eugenio Coccia (IFAE).
Each debate will pair leading scientists with humanists to foster a holistic exploration of contemporary issues.
Artistic Residencies and Educational Events
The program also features artistic residencies at participating research centers, visual and performing arts showcases, and opportunities for high school students to interact directly with prominent scientists such as Ignacio Cirac and Nathalie Cabrol, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
The event marked the culmination of an enriching journey, leaving students and families alike inspired and excited for future scientific adventures.
Outreach programmes
IFAE brings fundamental physics closer to young students through its 2026 summer programmes
July 23, 2026
Throughout June and July, IFAE welcomed around 100 secondary-school and university students through a series of educational and research programmes designed to bring young people closer to fundamental physics and scientific research.
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.