Outreach Event
Quantum physics at the 18th Festa de la Ciència
June 2, 2025
IFAEOn the weekend of 31 May–1 June 2025, the 18th edition of the Festa de la Ciència de Barcelona took place at El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria, bringing science to the city through a wide programme of activities for all audiences. This year’s edition placed a special focus on quantum physics, highlighting its growing relevance in research, technology and everyday life.
On Saturday 31 May, IFAE researchers contributed to the programme with two public activities. Pol Forn took part in the activity “Jugant amb ordinadors quàntics”, offering participants an accessible introduction to the basic ideas behind quantum computing and how these new machines differ from classical computers. Later that evening, Monica Seglar delivered the talk “On et trobes tu la quàntica cada dia?”, inviting the audience to identify and reflect on the presence of quantum physics in familiar, everyday technologies.
The Festa de la Ciència fostered curiosity, dialogue and direct interaction between researchers and the public, reinforcing the role of science as part of contemporary culture. IFAE’s participation formed part of a joint effort with Institut de Ciències Fotòniques and the Catalonia Quantum Academy, contributing to the collective aim of bringing quantum science closer to society.
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.