Based in the Mediterranean Technology Park, in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) employs over 450 people, organised into 25 research groups in 80 cutting-edge research laboratories.
The centre was founded by the Government of Catalonia and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech (UPC), which are members of its board of trustees together with the Cellex and Mir-Puig Foundations, both philanthropic bodies that have played a key role in the institute’s progress.
The lines of research cover diverse areas in which photonics plays a key role, with emphasis on basic and applied topics relevant to medicine and biology, advanced imaging techniques, information technologies, a range of environmental sensors, tunable and ultrafast lasers, quantum science, photovoltaics and the properties and applications of nanomaterials such as graphene, among others.
As part of its mission to conduct high-level research of excellence, the ICFO also prioritises training the next generation of scientists and technologists.
The ICFO is also highly proactive in promoting entrepreneurial activities, creating spin-offs and fostering partnerships and links between industry and the centre’s researchers.
