Address: Glorieta de la Astronomía, s/n, 18008 Granada, Granada, Spain
Astrophysics, Planetary Sciences, Space Instrumentation
The Spanish National Research Council, known as CSIC, created the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía in 1975, with its seat in Granada. The institute, usually written IAA-CSIC, is a research centre rather than a university, devoted to astrophysics and space science. Its scientists work in four departments: Solar System, Stellar Physics, Radio Astronomy and Galactic Structure, and Extragalactic Astronomy.
The research topics range from the Solar System, star formation and stellar evolution to the formation and evolution of galaxies and to cosmology. The institute also develops instruments for ground-based telescopes and for space missions. It has contributed to instruments for European Space Agency missions including Solar Orbiter, Mars Express and BepiColombo, and it takes part in work for the Square Kilometre Array.
Two observatories belong to the institute’s activities: it operates the Sierra Nevada Observatory near Granada and co-manages the Calar Alto Observatory in the province of Almería. In November 2018 the IAA was announced as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, and it has been accredited under that programme since 2018. Current projects, publications and news are listed on the institute’s own website.
Domains taught:
Aerospace, Astroscience, Computer Vision, Data Analytics, Electrical and Electronics, Engineering, Mathematics, Optics, Physics, Signal Processing
Diplomas*:
Doctor
Status:
Public
Partnerships:
CSIC institute. Strong collaborations with international observatories (e.g., Calar Alto), space agencies (ESA, NASA), and universities (especially University of Granada) for research and postgraduate training.
Research:
Research in stellar physics, extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, planetary atmospheres, solar system objects, and development of astronomical instrumentation for ground and space.
Famous Alumnis:
Antxón Alberdi
International recognition**:
Number of staff***:
200
Current students***:
80
Foreign students***:
30%
Cumulative former students***:
200
Pros
Leading Spanish research institute in astrophysics with access to major observational facilities and involvement in space missions. Excellent for specialized research training.
Cons
Primarily a research institute. Degrees via collaborating universities.
Best For
PhD students and researchers specializing in astrophysics or space science, aiming to work with leading international projects.
Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial is a public research body in Torrejón de Ardoz whose work in aerospace technology and space systems relates to the instrumentation side of the Granada institute.
Instituto de Física de Altas Energías, near Barcelona, is a public centre for particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, so it shares two of the IAA's research themes.
In Valencia region, Instituto de Física Corpuscular studies particle, astroparticle and nuclear physics at a public research centre, which meets the IAA in astroparticle work.
Instituto de Ciencias Fotónicas, near Barcelona, works on photonics, quantum optics and nanophotonics, the optical technologies behind many astronomical instruments.
Donostia International Physics Center is a public research centre in San Sebastián where condensed matter physics and nanoscience are the focus, a physics-first counterpart.
Most Similar Schools Abroad
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, a public Dutch university, lists astrophysics, nanoscience and chemical engineering, so astrophysics is a point of contact with the Granada institute.
Brazil's National Institute for Space Research is a public institute focused on astroscience, aerospace and environmental science, close to the IAA's space-science profile.
The University of Arizona in the United States is a public university where astronomy and planetary sciences stand beside optics, a pairing that matches instrument work.
Liverpool John Moores University is a public British university whose listed fields include astrophysics together with engineering.
In Argentina, National University of Córdoba is a public university with astronomy next to engineering and chemical sciences.
*our own picks (our criteria: a mix between domains, diploma delivered, reputation and size), but obviously too many criteria for an apple-to-apple ranking.
FAQ
Who founded the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía?
The CSIC created the institute in 1975 and placed it in Granada. It has been part of the council's network of research centres since then.
Is the IAA a university?
No. It is a research institute of the CSIC, the Spanish government's research council, and its main activity is astrophysics and space science research.
What does the Severo Ochoa distinction mean for the institute?
The IAA was announced as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence in November 2018. The accreditation covers a period starting in 2018, and the institute publishes the details of its programme on its website.
Which observatories are linked to the IAA?
The institute operates the Sierra Nevada Observatory in the province of Granada. It also co-manages the Calar Alto Observatory in Almería.
Which space missions has the institute contributed to?
Its teams have worked on instruments for Solar Orbiter, Mars Express and BepiColombo, missions of the European Space Agency. It also contributes to the Square Kilometre Array project.
How are the research groups organised?
Work is divided among four departments: Solar System, Stellar Physics, Radio Astronomy and Galactic Structure, and Extragalactic Astronomy. Topics range from planets and stars to galaxies and cosmology.
Astrophysics, Solar, Solar Panel, Space, Space Exploration
*: 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, it employs internal staff or external consultants or has public staff without employing them …). Refer to all the links provided to have accurate and updated numbers.
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