Physics

The Institute of High Energy Physics (IFAE) conducts experimental and theoretical research at the frontier of fundamental physics, namely particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology. Participation in the LHC's ATLAS project, the T2K neutrino experiment in Japan, the MAGIC telescopes in La Palma, and the Dark Energy Survey in Chile, among others. The IFAE is also working at the forefront of sensing technologies by developing pixels detectors for high-energy physics, telescope cameras, detectors with medical applications and other scientific and industrial applications.

The Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) is a recognised research centre. Its research interests are focused on the newly discovered physical and chemical properties that emerge from the fascinating behaviour of nanoscale matter. ICN2's Mission is to achieve scientific and technological excellence in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and to facilitate the adoption and integration of nanotechnologies in society and industry.

The ICN2 trustees are the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). The Institute promotes collaboration between scientists of various backgrounds (physics, chemistry, biology, or engineering) in order to develop basic and applied research, always pursuing interaction with local and global industry. ICN2 also trains nanotechnology researchers, undertakes numerous activities to facilitate the adoption of nanotechnology by industry, and promotes joint work between scientists, engineers, technicians, the world of business, society and politics.

The Barcelona Institute of Materials Science (ICMAB) is a research centre of the Higher Council of Scientific Research (CSIC), the largest research organisation in Spain that focuses its investigations on basic and applied research. With more than 20 years of experience, the ICMAB counts on 220 people with 57 permanent scientists. The initial and continuing mission of the ICMAB is to generate new knowledge in Materials Science and transfer it to society, particularly in the industry within the European Research Area.

The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) is a young institution whose goal is to push the boundaries of knowledge of photonics, science and light technology. Light, specifically laser light, is one of the most promising technologies available to humanity today. Its research programmes are framed on world-class frontiers and are aimed at addressing the significant challenges facing society at large. They focus on current and future problems in health, energy, information, security, protection and care of the environment.

The ALBA light synchrotron is a third generation scientific infrastructure located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona) and is the most important in the Mediterranean area. It is a complex of electron accelerators to produce synchrotron light, which allows you to visualise the atomic structure of materials and study their properties. It is managed by the Consortium for the Construction, Equipment and Exploitation of the Synchrotron Light Laboratory (CELLS) and funded equally by the Catalan and Spanish authorities.

The energy of the electron beam generated in the ALBA is 3 GeV and is achieved by combining a linear accelerator (LINAC) and a low-emitter thruster with maximum power placed in the same tunnel as the storage ring. The ALBA Synchrotron has a perimeter of 270 meters and 17 straight sections available for the installation of insertion devices. It has seven operating Phase I light lines, both soft and hard X-rays, which are mainly targeted at biosciences, condensed matter (nanoscience and magnetic and electronic properties), and materials science.

The mission of the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE) is to contribute to the general advancement in cosmic studies, helping to improve the scientific and technological capacity of the CSIC, as well as strengthen the presence of the CSIC in space initiatives, promoting excellence in all activities related to scientific research and its dissemination, as well as articulating the contribution of the CSIC to the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC).

The Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is a public university, rooted in the territory with an international vocation. Through quality teaching closely linked to research activity, it transfers scientific, technological, cultural and educational knowledge to society, promotes the potential of its human capital and manages the available resources responsibly. It is a knowledge ecosystem, in which the institutions linked to the UAB coexist and collaborate, consolidating this university among the leaders in the world rankings.