AXIS OF FUNDAMENTAL ADVANCES

A defining feature of the Centre is its highly interconnected scientific structure, designed to function as a single research ecosystem rather than a collection of independent units. The organisation promotes interactions among researchers with complementary expertise and the exchange of knowledge and methodologies across disciplines. This is achieved by organising the research programme around the AXIS OF FUNDAMENTAL ADVANCES, structured into five broad Research Areas that encompass the core scientific capabilities and methodological strengths of the Centre.

 

 

 

THEORY AND COMPUTATION OF MATERIAL PROCESSES

Focuses on the predictive understanding of complex materials systems through classical and quantum modelling and advanced simulations, with particular emphasis on the development of novel computational methodologies.

 

 

 

SURFACE AND INTERFACE PHENOMENA

Addresses atomic- and molecular-scale processes at surfaces and interfaces, central to catalysis, energy conversion and nanofabrication.

 

 

 

PHOTONICS

Investigates the optical properties of matter and nanomaterials and their interaction with electromagnetic fields, underpinning quantum optics and advanced photonic systems.

 

 

 

FUNCTIONAL AND SOFT (NANO)MATERIALS

Focuses on the design and understanding of complex nanoscale, soft and bio-materials with tailored properties for applications in energy, health and sustainable technologies.

 

 

 

FROM MATERIALS TO DEVICES AND APPLICATIONS

Integrates materials science, theoretical design and advanced fabrication know-how to develop and operate deep-tech devices for quantum and sustainable applications

OBjectives

  • Develop and apply advanced computational methods to describe the electronic, magnetic, vibrational and optical properties of materials across the nano- to mesoscopic regimes, enabling predictive structure–property relationships and the in-silico discovery of new materials with advanced functionalities.
  • Develop and consolidate advanced experimental methodologies and transversal research platforms through the design, integration and coordinated use of facilities, including access to large-scale international infrastructures such as neutron and synchrotron sources, which constitute a structural component of our experimental framework.
  • Develop and implement integrated computational and data-driven approaches based on artificial intelligence, embedded in both experimental workflows and theoretical methods, to accelerate the discovery, optimisation and understanding of emergent materials.

  Theory and Computation of Material Processes

Owing to its international recognition and long-standing tradition within CFM, this Area constitutes a backbone of the Centre, providing predictive frameworks that guide research across all Areas. It brings together researchers working on the theoretical description and computational modelling of materials and physical processes across multiple length and time scales, with a focus on the development of new computational methods. Research activities span quantum many-body physics, electronic structure theory, atomistic and multiscale simulations, statistical physics and data-driven approaches. The Area plays a central and transversal role by helping to design experiments, interpret observations and accelerate the discovery of novel materials and phenomena. It also contributes to both Quantum and Sustainability axes through the description of novel superconductors and low-dimensional systems, the multiscale modelling of energy and environmental materials, and the prediction of transport phenomena in unconventional magnets, spin-orbit coupled systems and semiconductors.

SENIOR RESEARCHERS

Andrés Arnau, Maite Alducin, Daniel Sánchez-Portal, Gustavo Schwartz, Iñaki Juaristi, Ion Errea, Ivo Souza, Julen Ibañez, and Sebastian Bergeret.

  Surface and Interface Phenomena

This Area is the hub for atomic-scale control of surfaces, interfaces and low-dimensional systems, bridging surface science with quantum and catalytic functionalities. It integrates expertise in materials growth, advanced microscopy, spectroscopy and theoretical modelling to investigate phenomena relevant to catalysis, electronic materials, energy conversion, nanofabrication and quantum materials. By combining advanced experimental infrastructures with theoretical support, the Area provides fundamental understanding of materials at the nanoscale and contributes to both the Quantum and Sustainability Axes.

SENIOR RESEARCHERS

Celia Rogero, Deung-Jang Choi, Enrique Ortega, Frederik Schiller, Iñaki Piquero, Lucia Vitali, Maider Ormaza, Martina Corso, Nicolas Lorente,  Roberto Robles, and Sara Barja.

  Photonics

This Area is centred on lightmatter interaction, from classical photonics and nano-optics to quantum optics and photonic quantum technologies. Research activities encompass photonics, plasmonics, nano-optics and spectroscopy, combining theoretical developments with advanced experimental approaches. The Area contributes to novel concepts for light emission and detection, optoelectronics, information processing, sensing, imaging and communication technologies, while providing powerful methodologies for probing and manipulating matter at the nanoscale. It supports both the Quantum and Sustainability Axes through photonic platforms for quantum devices, sensing and energy-related applications.

SENIOR RESEARCHERS

Antton Babaze, Beatriz Martín, Gabriel Molina, Marek Grzelczak, Nerea Zabala, Rolindes Balda, Ruben Esteban, and Yury Rakovich,  .

  Functional and Soft (Nano)materials

This Area constitutes the materials design and soft-matter engine of the Centre, integrating synthesis, processing and advanced characterisation of functional and soft materials. Research encompasses nanomaterials, soft and biological matter, hybrid systems, biomaterials and functional materials for energy, environmental and health-related applications. By integrating synthesis, characterisation and modelling, the Area addresses fundamental structureproperty relationships while contributing to materials capable of responding to major societal challenges. Its societal projection through recyclable polymer networks, green photocatalysis and biomaterials for diagnostics, therapy and neural regeneration is supported by competitive national and European projects and the strategic use of large-scale neutron and synchrotron facilities, reinforcing the Area’s central contribution to the Sustainability Axis.

SENIOR RESEARCHERS

Aitor Bergara, Ángel Alegría, Angel Moreno, Arantxa Arbe, Armando Maestro,  Daniele Cangialosi, Ester Verde, Fernando Álvarez, Ivan Sasselli, Jon Maiz, Josetxo Pomposo,  and Paula Malo.

From Materials to Devices and Applications

This Area constitutes the materials design and soft-matter engine of the Centre, integrating synthesis, processing and advanced characterisation of functional and soft materials. Research encompasses nanomaterials, soft and biological matter, hybrid systems, biomaterials and functional materials for energy, environmental and health-related applications. By integrating synthesis, characterisation and modelling, the Area addresses fundamental structureproperty relationships while contributing to materials capable of responding to major societal challenges. Its societal projection through recyclable polymer networks, green photocatalysis and biomaterials for diagnostics, therapy and neural regeneration is supported by competitive national and European projects and the strategic use of large-scale neutron and synchrotron facilities, reinforcing the Area’s central contribution to the Sustainability Axis.

SENIOR RESEARCHERS

Alberto Alvarez, Andrés Ayuela, Felix Fernandez, Guido Goracci, Jorge Sánchez-Dolado, Marco Gobbi, Maxim Ilin, Pablo Beato, Rubén Pellicer, Sara Catalano, Silvina Cerveny,  and Vitaly Golovach.