- The recognition by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) consolidates the IFT UAM-CSIC as one of the leading international centres in theoretical physics and strengthens its scientific programme for the coming years
The Instituto de Física Teórica IFT UAM-CSIC has been included in the provisional resolution proposal of the 2025 Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence call, published by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI), thus renewing this distinction for a new four-year period.
The IFT first received the Severo Ochoa distinction in the 2012 call and has continuously renewed this recognition ever since, consolidating its position as one of the leading research centres in theoretical physics both nationally and internationally. Only a very small number of centres in Spain have succeeded in renewing this accreditation four consecutive times.
The accreditation recognises the scientific excellence, international leadership and impact of the research carried out at the institute, as well as the quality of its strategic programme for the coming years. The Severo Ochoa programme provides specific funding for institutional strengthening, talent attraction and the training of young researchers.
According to the proposal published by the State Research Agency, the IFT will receive a proposed total funding of €5,842,000, including support for institutional strengthening actions and ten predoctoral fellowships associated with the programme.
The funding period will cover four years starting on July 1, 2026, while the accreditation itself will remain valid for a maximum period of six years beginning on January 1, 2026.
The Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu programme is one of Spain’s main initiatives for recognising scientific excellence. It distinguishes research centres and units that stand out for the relevance and international impact of their scientific results, their leadership capacity and their contribution to the Spanish R&D&I (Research, Development and Innovation) system.
