Around 50 physicists and engineers from Aragon and the Valencian Community gathered on May 28 and 29 at the Galáctica facilities in Arcos de las Salinas (Teruel) to discuss recent developments in Astrophysics and High-Energy Physics, and to identify opportunities for collaboration between research groups from both regions within the framework of the Complementary R&D&I Plan in this field.

The meeting brought together researchers from institutions such as the Institute of Corpuscular Physics (IFIC), a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Valencia, as well as from the University of Zaragoza, the University of Valencia, the Polytechnic University of Valencia, the University of Alicante, and the Miguel Hernández University of Elche. Representatives from leading research and technology centers also attended, including CAPA (Center for Astroparticles and High-Energy Physics of Aragon), ITA (Technological Institute of Aragon), and CEFCA (Center for the Study of the Physics of the Cosmos of Aragon), which hosted the event.

The initiative aims to strengthen synergies between institutions and promote joint scientific developments that enhance the strategic role of the Aragon–Valencian Community axis within the national landscape of fundamental physics research.

Among the key projects presented during the meeting were the neutrino telescopes developed by the VEGA group (Valencia Experimental Group of Astroparticles) at IFIC, and ARTEMISA, a powerful artificial intelligence infrastructure also developed by this institute.

During the sessions, participants had the opportunity to visit the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory and the Galáctica facilities themselves — a pioneering center for the dissemination and practice of astronomy, promoted by CEFCA. Designed to bring astronomy closer to the public, Galáctica features semi-professional facilities for both research and educational and cultural activities.

What is the Complementary Plan for Astrophysics and High-Energy Physics?

The Complementary Plan for Astrophysics and High-Energy Physics is an R&D&I program launched by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, in collaboration with seven autonomous communities (Catalonia, Andalusia, Cantabria, the Valencian Community, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, and the Community of Madrid). Its main objective is to increase Spanish participation in major international projects through the development of advanced technologies in fields such as particle physics, astrophysical instrumentation, and space exploration.

This program is part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and has a budget of €39.1 million, partially funded by the European Union's Next Generation EU funds. In addition to promoting scientific excellence, the plan encourages digitalization, innovation, and regional development. 

News published by CEFCA.