Overview
The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) has been recognized as a Severo Ochoa (SO) Center of Excellence (CEX2024-001441-S), funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. Within this framework, IFAE hosts a Visitor Program aimed at attracting outstanding researchers from leading institutions worldwide.
The program seeks to foster international collaborations, stimulate the exchange of ideas, and strengthen IFAE’s global partnerships in experimental and theoretical particle physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and related fields.
How the program works and who can apply
The program is open to internationally recognized scientists with a strong scientific track record who are working at high-profile universities or research institutes.
The minimum duration of a visit is three months within a calendar year. Stays shorter than three months are not eligible under this program. The preferred duration is three months. Possible extensions beyond this period, and the corresponding support provided by the Severo Ochoa program, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants must identify a host group at IFAE (www.ifae.es/groups) and obtain the support of one of its Principal Investigators (PI) before applying. The host PI will be asked to provide a short report supporting the proposal, including information on ongoing collaborations with the candidate and a summary of the main activities and expected outcomes of the visit. Proposals will be evaluated by the IFAE Directorate based on the candidate’s merits, the relevance of the project, and the added value of the visit for both the host research group and IFAE.
Depending on the number of positively evaluated proposals and the availability of complementary co-funding secured by the candidate or group leader, IFAE will co-fund each visitor’s stay. The level of co-funding may range from coverage of travel expenses to Barcelona to a stipend of up to €3,000 per month for three months. In addition, IFAE will provide office space, access to shared facilities, administrative support before and during the stay, and access to laboratory and computing infrastructure, when relevant and agreed upon with the host group.
During their stay, visitors are encouraged to engage actively with the host group and the broader IFAE community; participate in seminars, group meetings, and scientific discussions; give at least one open seminar at IFAE; and explore opportunities for new or ongoing collaborations, joint projects, and co-authored publications.
Application process
The call is open year-round, and applications are evaluated periodically.
To apply, candidates should submit the following documents (in PDF format) by email (so-visiting@ifae.es) with subject: [Application-Visitor-Name-of-Candidate]
- A cover letter including the following information:
- Applicant details: Full name, e-mail, position, institution and contact information.
- Host group at IFAE and host PI contact information
- Visit details: Proposed starting date; end date, duration (in days)
- Title of the visit/project
- Short description and visit goals (maximum 600 words), to be prepared in coordination with the host PI at IFAE
- Statement on available funding and requested support from IFAE.
- Short CV of the candidate (maximum 4 pages).
- Letter of support from the IFAE host group.
Evaluation and selection
Applications will be evaluated by the IFAE Directorate in consultation with the host PI.
Contact
For informal inquiries or to discuss potential visits in advance, interested researchers are encouraged to contact potential host PIs at IFAE or write to so-visiting@ifae.es.