The Spanish State Research Agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación, AEI) has published a new article in its series on the different Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence, focusing on ICN2. The article examines some of the institute’s most significant scientific projects and initiatives, showcasing those that best exemplify the impact of our research.

The article covers a wide range of ICN2 research areas, including nanomedicine, clinical diagnostics, semiconductor technologies, and industrial innovation. For example, it discusses the establishment of spin-offs such as INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, a company that develops brain–computer interfaces being investigated as a potential treatment for various nervous system disorders. INBRAIN has already reached the milestone of conducting a clinical trial involving direct contact between graphene and the human brain.

From biomedicine to the design of tomorrow's materials

The AEI also comments on some of our strategic infrastructure projects, including the Joint Electron Microscopy Centre at Alba (JEMCA) and the InnoFAB initiative. InnoFAB aims to advance semiconductor technologies from the research stage towards industrial manufacturing. It will facilitate the development and maturation of chips and next-generation semiconductor technologies, supporting the experimentation, prototyping, and certification of new devices for emerging applications, such as quantum technologies and photonics.

Another contribution mentioned in the article is the role of ICN2 in the scientific response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with its intensive research activity. Notably, CSIC Prof. Laura Lechuga led one of the initial European Union-funded projects dedicated to enhancing the diagnosis of the infection. Other groups, including those led by ICREA Prof. Arben Merkoçi and ICREA Prof. Kostas Kostarelos, also conducted research and strategic projects in this area.

Three consecutive Severo Ochoa accreditations

ICN2 has achieved the Severo Ochoa (SO) Centre of Excellence accreditation three consecutive times: in the periods 2014–2018, 2018–2022 and 2022–2026. This distinction recognises institutions with internationally scientific leadership and the capacity to deliver high-impact results and drive Spain’s Science, Technology and Innovation System. ICN2's projects, research areas, and scientific initiatives demonstrate the diversity of our research and our dedication to connecting fundamental research with technological development and societal impact.

This approach is central to ICN2’s strategy as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence and is aimed at developing new technologies, materials, infrastructures and companies that can address some of the major challenges facing society.