From November 13 to 14, 2025, CaixaForum València, located inside the Àgora building at the City of Arts and Sciences, will host the ninth edition of the 100xCiencia.9 congress, the annual meeting promoted by the SOMMa Alliance (Alliance of Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu Centers of Excellence). Under the theme “Science for Society, Awakening Awareness,” the event will bring together leading researchers, R&D management professionals, policy representatives, and the general public to reflect, engage in dialogue, and build bridges between science and society for a more sustainable future.

A showcase of scientific excellence with social impact
The congress represents a unique opportunity to highlight the scientific excellence and social impact of the work carried out at the Severo Ochoa Centers and María de Maeztu Units that make up the SOMMa Alliance. This edition will be hosted by five leading scientific institutions from the Valencian Community, contributing their expertise in strategic areas to tackle major global challenges.

The Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), accredited as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence, is at the forefront of research in food science and technology. The center leads studies on the interaction between diet and health, exploring how eating habits influence consumers and developing new foods that address current needs and challenges. Moreover, IATA promotes innovations in areas such as the use of nanotechnology and more sustainable packaging materials, as well as the application of microorganisms to transform the food industry. Its strong commitment to knowledge transfer establishes it as a benchmark in collaboration between science, industry, and society.

The Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol), part of the University of Valencia and continuously accredited as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence since 2015, specializes in molecular chemistry and nanotechnology. Its research focuses on functional materials and advanced molecules for technological applications such as sensors, electronic devices, and sustainable energy. ICMol stands out for its contributions to frontier material design and its impact on cutting-edge chemistry.

The Institute of Chemical Technology (ITQ), a joint center of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and the CSIC, has been recognized as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence in 2013, 2017, and 2023. The ITQ (UPV-CSIC) is a global leader in catalysis, green chemistry, and the development of materials for sustainable energy. Its work has been instrumental in advancing cleaner and more efficient technologies, contributing innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges.

The Institute for Corpuscular Physics (IFIC), accredited as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence and affiliated with the University of Valencia and the CSIC, focuses its research on particle, nuclear, and astroparticle physics. The center actively collaborates in international projects such as those at CERN, providing fundamental insights into the origin of the universe and the laws that govern it. Additionally, IFIC has become a key training ground for new generations of researchers in both theoretical and experimental physics.

Finally, the Institute of Neurosciences (IN), a joint center of the CSIC and the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) of Elche, has been a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence continuously since 2014. Its research centers on understanding the biological bases of the brain and nervous system, as well as developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders. IN stands out for its biomedical impact and its ability to translate scientific discoveries into solutions that enhance well-being.

Science and Society: An Open Gathering
The 100xCiencia.9 congress will not only be a forum for the scientific community but also an open space for the public. The program will include participatory and outreach activities for all audiences, encouraging dialogue around topics such as sustainability, health, energy, and climate change. This inclusive approach will help bring science closer to people and highlight its relevance in everyday life.

València: A City Committed to Science
The selection of València as the host city for 100xCiencia.9 reinforces its position as a leading scientific and technological hub in Spain. With a strong scientific tradition, a network of centers of excellence, and a firm commitment to outreach and social engagement, the city offers an ideal setting for an event that places science at the heart of development and transformation.

The SOMMa Alliance calls on the scientific community, R&D policymakers, and the public to join 100xCiencia.9 and be part of this unique event to discover, debate, and connect, where science is shown as a driving force for change in the face of today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

More information: https://100xciencia2025.com