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.
Event
Radical Science at CCCB
May 9, 2025
The Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) is hosting two conferences as part of the Radical Science series, focused on the origins of the universe and life.
On May 15, Nobel Laureate Didier Queloz and astrobiologist Nathalie Cabrol will discuss the possibility of extraterrestrial life, exploring the more than 5,000 exoplanets discovered and the techniques to detect signs of life in their atmospheres.
The following day, on May 16, astrophysicists Gabriela González and Eugenio Coccia will explore how gravitational wave detection opens new avenues for understanding the cosmos, allowing us to study the early universe and phenomena like black hole mergers.