The Severo Ochoa project at IFAE
As a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence, IFAE is executing a transformative four-year strategic plan
Project description
IFAE has been accredited for the third time as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) and the State Research Agency (AEI), the highest distinction awarded to research institutions in Spain. This recognition acknowledges IFAE’s scientific leadership in particle physics, astrophysics, cosmology, gravitational waves, quantum technologies and advanced instrumentation, as well as its commitment to technological innovation and knowledge transfer.
IFAE first received the Severo Ochoa distinction in 2012, followed by a second award in 2016, and now again in 2024. This third accreditation reinforces IFAE’s position as one of Europe’s leading centres in fundamental physics and recognizes more than a decade of sustained excellence in research, instrumentation development, international leadership and talent attraction. The new accreditation supports the institute’s strategic plan for the period 2025–2028, which builds on IFAE’s strengths in large international scientific collaborations and emerging fields such as gravitational-wave science and quantum technologies.
This recognition is supported by two primary funding pillars:
- €4.5 Million Strategic Research & Infrastructure Dedicated to strengthening institutional capabilities, fostering cutting-edge scientific programmes, and upgrading our world-class facilities.
- €1.25 Million Talent Attraction & Development Providing direct funding for 10 new predoctoral contracts to train and retain the next generation of scientific leaders.
- Total: 5,75 Million