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

First images released from what will become the most complete “movie” of the night sky

June 23, 2025

The first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory launch a decade-long LSST survey of the southern sky, set to transform our understanding of dark energy, dark matter, and the transient universe. A consortium of Spanish institutions, including IFAE and PIC, is playing a key role in the scientific and technical development of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

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.

News

Network

IFAE joins REDONGRA, a network to propel Spain’s role in gravitational wave astronomy

July 7, 2025

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) is one of the key partners in REDONGRA, the new Spanish Network of Gravitational Wave Physics. The initiative brings together 20 research institutions to coordinate Spain’s contribution to gravitational wave science.

Event

CEPC 2025 International Workshop takes place in Barcelona

June 19, 2025

The 2025 European Edition of the International Workshop on the Circular Electron-Positron Collider (CEPC) is currently underway in Barcelona, Spain, from June 16 to 19, hosted by IFAE.

Event

Outreach talk about the latest DESI results

June 11, 2025

Sindhu Satyavolu and Laura Casas delivered the seminar “Probing Cosmic Acceleration with DESI: Is Dark Energy Evolving?” at the Sala de Graus II (UAB), in a hybrid format. The speakers presented the latest results from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) and introduced key cosmological concepts to ensure accessibility for a non-specialist audience.

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.

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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