The Institute of Corpuscular Physics (IFIC), a joint center of the University of Valencia and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), received last week the accreditation as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence during a ceremony presided over by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant. The event gathered representatives from all research centres and units accredited through this programme between 2018 and the present. It also featured the participation of Domènec Espriu, Director of the Spanish State Research Agency; Eloísa del Pino, President of the CSIC; María Vicenta Mestre, Rector of the University of Valencia; and Javier Solana, President of the Scientific Committee of the “la Caixa” Foundation.

The Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence and María de Maeztu Units programme aims to promote the quality of Spanish scientific research through the recognition of research organisations that stand out for the relevance and impact of their work. Recognition is granted through a competitive call, in which applications are evaluated by an international scientific committee. Evaluation criteria include the global impact of the research, generation of cutting-edge knowledge, ability to train and attract international talent, collaboration with other top-level research centres, and knowledge transfer and outreach activities. The accredited centres and units span a wide range of scientific disciplines, from mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering to the life sciences, medicine, humanities and social sciences.

This is the second time IFIC has been awarded the Severo Ochoa distinction, following a previous period from 2015 to 2019. On this occasion, the awarded project spans four years and is funded with approximately 5.5 million euros, while the accreditation is valid for six years, until March 2030. In addition to the scientific and social recognition, this distinction provides privileged access to other research support initiatives.

During the event, held at CaixaForum Madrid, Minister Morant highlighted “the profound transformative power” of these institutions of excellence in helping to address the challenges that Spain faces as a country. “You are living proof that science, wellbeing, and democracy are three indisputable and inseparable pillars that we must protect and strengthen,” she stated.

About IFIC

The Institute of Corpuscular Physics (IFIC, CSIC–UV) is a pioneering centre in Spain in the fields of particle physics, nuclear physics and astroparticle physics, as well as their applications in medical physics and other areas of science and technology. IFIC has a long-standing record of participation in major international scientific projects, collaborating with institutions such as CERN and Fermilab, and its researchers are at the forefront of fundamental physics research.

Thanks to this distinction, IFIC aims to bring fundamental research closer to society, promoting deeper integration of science within the social and economic fabric. To this end, it has developed a strategic plan focused on innovative initiatives in areas such as quantum technologies, medical physics, and advanced instrumentation — essential for advancing scientific knowledge and with great potential for real-life applications in health, energy, and communications. A key component of the programme is the strengthening of technology transfer, including partnerships with companies and other innovation centres to facilitate the practical application of research.

Moreover, IFIC's Severo Ochoa project is firmly committed to training new generations of researchers, equipping them with the tools to tackle technological challenges arising from advances such as artificial intelligence. “This strategic plan, in addition to strengthening and diversifying our research, is designed to anticipate and respond to future challenges. Science is constantly evolving, and with this approach we aim to ensure that IFIC remains at the forefront of technological development and the creation of solutions that benefit society as a whole,” says Verónica Sanz, principal investigator of IFIC's Severo Ochoa project.