# ICFO

> Institute of Photonic Sciences

**Wikidata**: [Q3775506](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3775506)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICFO)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/icfo

## Summary
The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) is a leading research institute based in Castelldefels, Spain, dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in photonics and related fields such as quantum mechanics, nano-optics, biophotonics, and graphene. Founded in 2002, ICFO operates under the Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology and is recognized internationally for its scientific excellence and technological impact.

## Key Facts
- Founded in **2002** as part of the Catalan research ecosystem.
- Located at **Mediterranean Technology Park**, Av. Carl Friedrich Gauss, 3, Castelldefels, Spain (**08860**).
- Operates under the **Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology** since its inception in **2014–2015**.
- Focuses on key research areas including **photonics, quantum mechanics, nano-optics, biophotonics,** and **graphene**.
- Has approximately **400 employees** (as of 2018).
- Received the **Narcís Monturiol Medal** in **2020** from the Government of Catalonia.
- Current director: **Oriol Romero-Isart** (since **2024**).

## FAQs
### Q: What is ICFO known for?
A: ICFO is known for being a top-tier research institute specializing in photonics and related disciplines like quantum technologies and nanoscience. It plays a major role in translating fundamental discoveries into practical applications across industries.

### Q: Where is ICFO located?
A: ICFO is located in **Castelldefels**, Spain, within the **Mediterranean Technology Park**. Its full address is Av. Carl Friedrich Gauss, 3, with postal code **08860**.

### Q: Who funds or oversees ICFO?
A: ICFO is affiliated with several organizations including the **Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology**, the **CERCA Institute**, and the **Catalan Association of Research Centres**.

## Why It Matters
ICFO stands at the forefront of global efforts to harness light-based technologies for scientific discovery and industrial innovation. By focusing on interdisciplinary research spanning physics, biology, engineering, and materials science, ICFO contributes significantly to advancements in telecommunications, medical diagnostics, energy efficiency, and quantum computing. As part of both regional and international scientific networks, ICFO also strengthens Europe’s competitiveness in high-tech sectors while training future generations of scientists and entrepreneurs through collaborations with universities and industry partners worldwide.

## Notable For
- Pioneering work in **quantum photonics** and **nanoscale optical systems**.
- Hosting one of Europe's most advanced **biophotonics laboratories**.
- Receiving the prestigious **Narcís Monturiol Medal** in recognition of its contributions to science and technology in Catalonia.
- Being among the most active Spanish institutions in securing EU Horizon funding for photonics projects.
- Operating cutting-edge facilities that bridge academic research and industrial application.

## Body

### Overview
The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), established in **2002**, is a specialized **research institute** focused on photonics and allied sciences. Based in **Castelldefels**, near Barcelona, Spain, ICFO functions as part of the broader **Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST)** network, which was formally founded between **2014 and 2015**.

### Location & Infrastructure
ICFO is situated in the **Mediterranean Technology Park**, specifically at:
> **Av. Carl Friedrich Gauss, 3, 08860 Castelldefels, Spain**

Its geographic coordinates are:
- Latitude: **41.275469**
- Longitude: **1.989619**
- Elevation above sea level: **5 meters**

This location houses state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative spaces designed to support multidisciplinary research involving optics, electronics, biology, and quantum systems.

### Organizational Affiliations
ICFO maintains formal affiliations with multiple institutions:
- **Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST)**
- **CERCA Institute** – a public research agency of the Generalitat de Catalunya
- **Catalan Association of Research Centres (ACER)**

These partnerships facilitate access to national and European funding streams, joint educational programs, and shared infrastructure.

### Leadership
As of **2024**, the director of ICFO is **Dr. Oriol Romero-Isart**, who succeeded previous leadership following a selection process aimed at continuing ICFO’s trajectory toward global prominence in photonic sciences.

### Research Areas
ICFO conducts research across several domains central to modern science and technology:
- **Photonics**: Light manipulation and control at various scales.
- **Quantum Mechanics**: Including quantum communication, sensing, and simulation.
- **Nano-optics**: Studying how light behaves at the nanometer scale.
- **Biophotonics**: Applying optical techniques to biological and biomedical challenges.
- **Graphene and 2D Materials**: Exploring novel electronic and optoelectronic properties.

These areas often intersect, enabling breakthroughs applicable to healthcare, clean energy, information processing, and defense technologies.

### Recognition and Awards
In **2020**, ICFO received the **Narcís Monturiol Medal**, awarded by the Government of Catalonia for outstanding contribution to scientific development and societal progress in the region.

### Digital Presence and Outreach
ICFO actively engages with the public and scientific community via digital platforms:
- Website: [http://www.icfo.eu](http://www.icfo.eu) (available in Catalan, Spanish, and English)
- Social media handles:
  - Twitter/X: [@ICFOnians](https://twitter.com/ICFOnians) (followers: ~6,898 as of Jan 2021)
  - Instagram: @icfonians
  - Facebook: ICFOnians
  - LinkedIn: icfo
  - YouTube Channel ID: `UCC9ZLOMVejdaDMoXA1YIdRg` (views: over 368k as of Nov 2025)

Additionally, ICFO offers content syndication via RSS feeds ([https://www.icfo.eu/rss/](https://www.icfo.eu/rss/)) and maintains profiles on scholarly databases and identifiers such as:
- ROR ID: `03g5ew477`
- GRID ID: `grid.5853.b`
- ISNI: `0000000417571854`
- VIAF ID: `183009911`

### Staffing and Operations
As of **2018**, ICFO employed around **400 individuals**, including researchers, engineers, administrative staff, and visiting scholars. The institute supports numerous postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates working on frontier topics in applied and theoretical photonics.

### Contact Information
For general inquiries, ICFO can be reached at:
- Phone: **+34-935-53-40-02**
- Fax: **+34-935-53-40-00**
- Email: [secretariat@icfo.eu](mailto:secretariat@icfo.eu)

### Legal and Institutional Identity
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): `95980020140005370582`  
Registered under the jurisdiction of Spain, ICFO adheres to national standards for transparency and accountability in publicly funded research.

## References

1. [Source](https://cerca.cat/c/icfo/)
2. [Source](https://govern.cat/govern/docs/2020/07/21/13/36/982b7700-f8c4-401d-8fb4-1420ee5e8114.pdf)
3. GRID Release 2017-01-10
4. [Source](https://www.acer-catalunya.org/entidades.php)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. GRID Release 2015-12-14
7. Quora
8. YouTube API
9. HAL
10. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)