Institut de Física d'Altes Energies- IFAE

From particles to the Cosmos
IFAE conducts experimental and theoretical research at the frontiers of fundamental physics.
Particle Physics
Pushing the frontiers of knowledge by making precise measurements in the ATLAS experiment at the LHC.
High Energy Astrophysics
Addressing open questions through gamma-ray observations from the most energetic phenomena in the universe.
Observational Cosmology
Shedding light on the nature of the mysterious dark energy, responsible for the current accelerated expansion of the universe.
Neutrino Physics
Understanding the fundamental phenomena that produced the observed asymmetry between matter and antimatter in the universe.
Gravitational Waves
The beginning of a new era in the exploration of the universe.
Medical Imaging
Using our expertise with sophisticated radiation detectors to develop advanced medical imaging devices.
Quantum Computing Technologies
Achieving an advantage over conventional computers to solve problems which are ubiquitous in society.

Highlights

Highlight

IFAE receives the Severo Ochoa Excellence Award for the third time

April 10, 2025

IFAE has been awarded the Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence accreditation for the third time, recognizing its international leadership in fundamental physics research. The distinction includes €4.5 million over four years to support its strategic scientific programme and talent development.

Highlight

IFAE researchers among winners of prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

April 7, 2025

Researchers from the Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) in Barcelona are among the thousands of researchers worldwide honored with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, awarded to the ATLAS Collaboration at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) alongside its sister experiments ALICE, CMS and LHCb.

Highlight

New high-definition pictures of the baby universe

March 25, 2025

Research by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope collaboration has led to the clearest and most precise images yet of the universe’s infancy, the cosmic microwave background radiation that was visible only 380,000 years after the Big Bang. Due to IFAE’s participation in observatories that study galaxy distribution—such as DES, Euclid, and DESI—its researchers can leverage the new ACT maps in a unique way.

News

New Instrumentation

New Wide-Field Telescope Installed at Montsec Observatory with PIC Participation

May 27, 2025

A new wide-field telescope (TRAC) has been installed at Montsec Observatory to enhance asteroid tracking, deep-sky imaging, and space technology research. Coordinated by the IEEC and with the involvement of PIC, the project is set to begin scientific operations in 2026.

New Member

New member in the Gamma Rays group

May 22, 2025

Udai Sharma joined the Gamma Rays group as a PhD student

Event

Successful Validation of Data Transmission Systems for Virgo Instrument

May 22, 2025

Pepe Illa, David Román, and Otger Ballester successfully tested the wireless and wired communication systems of the instrumented baffle at Virgo, confirming compatibility with the detector.

Event

Eugenio Coccia and Gabriela González at the Radical Science conference in CCCB

May 19, 2025

On May 16, Gabriela González and Eugenio Coccia discussed gravitational waves and the origins of the universe at CCCB, in a Radical Science event co-organized by IFAE and partners.

Event

ASAPP2025 Conference Organized by the Gamma-ray Group at IFAE

May 15, 2025

The ASAPP2025 conference is taking place this week in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, with IFAE researchers presenting their latest work on space particle detection technologies.

Event

Deep Detection Showcases PhotonAi® DS Camera Series at Control 2024 in Stuttgart

May 15, 2025

Deep Detection showcased its new PhotonAi® DS X-ray camera series for advanced industrial inspection at the Control Trade Show in Stuttgart.

Events

Education
MastercosmosBCN
Postgraduate Program in High Energy Physics, Astrophysics & Cosmology
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Education
MMRES
Full-time one-year programme with highly flexible and personalised hands-on research training in a multidisciplinary research environment.
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Education
Master in Quantum Science & Technology
Aimed at graduates in Physics, Physical Engineering or equivalent degrees who want to continue specialization studies in Quantum Science and Technologies.
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