Home » Instituto de Ciencias Fotónicas (ICFO)

Instituto de Ciencias Fotónicas (ICFO)

Spain

Address: Avenida Carl Friedrich Gauss, 3, Parc Mediterrani de la Tecnologia, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain

Photonics, Quantum Optics, Nanophotonics

ICFO is a research institute located near Barcelona, dedicated to the science and technology of light (photonics). It is a leading global center in this field, offering PhD programs and postdoctoral opportunities, and collaborating with universities for Master’s programs.

Diplomas*:

Doctor, Master

Domains taught:

Bioengineering, Computer Vision, Electrical and Electronics, Engineering, Materials, Mathematics, Nanotechnologies, Optics, Physics, Signal Processing

Status:

Private

Partnerships:

Private foundation with public support. Extensive international collaborations with universities, research centers, and industry. Strong focus on technology transfer and spin-off creation.

Research:

Cutting-edge research in quantum optics, nanophotonics, optical sensing, biophotonics, medical optics, graphene photonics, and ultrafast science.

Famous Alumnis:

Lluis Torner

International recognition**:

Number of staff***:

400

Current students***:

150

Foreign students***:

70%

Cumulative former students***:

300

Pros

World-renowned research institute in photonics, attracting top international talent. Excellent facilities and a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment.

Cons

Primarily a research institute; degrees awarded through partner universities. Highly competitive.

Best For

PhD students and researchers aiming to be at the forefront of photonics research and its applications.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biomedical Sensors, Medical Devices, Sustainable Innovation

> search our World Universities Directory here <

*: without any judgment of the quality, readers are strongly encouraged to check the official status of the exact diploma envisioned as many universities have a mix of recognized diplomas, not recognized, “co-delivered,” “equivalent to”, “some pathways” (…), can change over time, and can be named differently from one country to another.

**: international reputation: is based on some criteria that do not mean much in some domains or specialties (number of researchers, of scientific publications, on budget ….). Our approximate 1-4 scale:

known locally
known locally and internationally
is listed in some of the world university’s classifications
is listed among the 20 firsts in some of world university’s classifications

***: estimated numbers, based on online sources and/or feedbacks. The numbers can vary greatly depending on school organisation (ex.: school is part of a group …). Refer to all the links provided to have accurate and updated numbers.

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