Chair Programs
SPIE@ICFO Chair for Diversity
in the Photonic Sciences
In June 2020 SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics, and ICFO formally announced the SPIE@ICFO Chair for Diversity in the Photonic Sciences in order to promote diversity and to support new talent in photonics to enhance innovation, creativity and excellence in research.
The Chair was established through the SPIE Endowment Matching Program, a five-year educational-funding initiative established in 2019, and designed to increase international capacity in the teaching and research of optics and photonics.
The award is the first of its kind in Europe and will support the appointment of a Chair at ICFO whose remit will be to leverage the center’s activities to further enhance its promotion of diversity, starting with its multiple programs supporting the education and careers of young women from diverse backgrounds with an interest in photonics. Some supported opportunities will include the SPIE@ICFO Chair Maria Yzuel Fellowship Awards; the SPIE@ICFO Chair Travel Fellowships; and the SPIE@ICFO Chair Research Internships.
AXA Research Fund Chair on Quantum Cryptography
In 2015, the AXA Research Fund awarded ICFO a Chair, which is both permanent and pioneering on a global scale, for a quantum information technology project that will focus on risks associated with data privacy. Through this chair, ICFO will conduct research focused on developing and implementing encryption systems based on quantum devices, with the aim of 100% secure data communications.
The AXA Research Fund was created in 2007 to boost scientific progress and discoveries that contribute to understanding and better preparing for environmental, life and socio-economic risks. With a commitment of EUR 200 million until 2018, the Fund supports 449 projects led by researchers of 50 nationalities, working in 230 universities in 32 countries.
Corning Inc. Chair
In June 2013, Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics, and ICFO formally announced and inaugurated the Corning Surfaces Laboratory, designed to host cutting-edge fabrication and characterization equipment, and the Corning Professorship, to conduct sponsored research projects of mutual interest.
In 2015, this multi-year agreement was renewed to extend through 2019. The Knowledge and Technology Transfer unit at ICFO and the University Collaborations department at Corning play a key role in maintaining and fostering this joint effort.
Fundació Catalunya – La Pedrera
Ignacio Cirac Program Chair at ICFO
Fundació Catalunya – La Pedrera and ICFO, both true to their mission in pursuing excellence and developing talent at all levels, established this program chair at ICFO with the intention of promoting world-class research, outreach and dissemination in the targeted area of quantum information science and technology, as well as to promote frontier research at large.
Professor Ignacio Cirac, Director of the Theory Division of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics at Garching, Germany, is a Distinguished Invited Professor at ICFO. He is the recipient of the 2006 Prince of Asturias Award, the 2007 Blas Cabrera National Physics Award, the 2008 BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award, the 2009 Carl Zeiss Research Award and the 2010 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics, to name a few prizes. He is one of the world leaders in quantum physics, having contributed fundamental advances in the field of Quantum Information Science.