FUNDACION DONOSTIA INTERNATIONAL PHYSICS CENTER

Their core work

DIPC is a frontier physics research center in San Sebastián, Spain, specializing in condensed matter physics, 2D materials (especially graphene), surface science, and fundamental particle physics. They conduct experimental and theoretical research using advanced scanning probe microscopy, on-surface chemical synthesis, and detector instrumentation. Their work spans from atomically precise fabrication of nanomaterials to neutrino physics experiments, with strong capabilities in both materials characterization and computational modeling of many-body quantum systems.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2019), DIPC had a broad portfolio spanning galaxy simulations, graphene composites, medicinal chemistry, and condensed matter physics — reflecting a diverse fundamental research center. From 2020 onward, two clear threads emerged: deeper commitment to 2D quantum materials (flat bands, magnetism, pilot-line fabrication) and a surprising expansion into particle physics instrumentation (neutrino detectors, barium tagging). The medicinal chemistry line continued but did not grow, while astrophysics participation shifted from leading to joining.

DIPC is concentrating its leadership on quantum phenomena in 2D materials and building a second major pillar in experimental particle physics detector development — expect future calls in both areas.

How they like to work

DIPC overwhelmingly leads its own projects: 12 of 17 H2020 projects were coordinated, a very high ratio for a research center. Their participant roles are almost exclusively in large flagship-scale initiatives (Graphene Flagship) where they contribute specialized expertise to massive consortia. With 237 unique partners across 22 countries, they have an extensive network but primarily use it to support PI-driven research funded through ERC and MSCA individual grants rather than building repeat partnerships.

DIPC has collaborated with 237 distinct partners across 22 countries, giving them a wide European network. Much of this breadth comes from the Graphene Flagship consortia, while their self-coordinated projects tend to be smaller teams with focused academic partners.

What sets them apart

DIPC combines world-class scanning probe microscopy and surface chemistry capabilities with deep theoretical physics — a rare pairing that lets them both fabricate and model quantum materials at atomic resolution. Their unusually high coordination rate (71%) shows they attract top individual researchers who win competitive ERC and MSCA grants, making them a talent magnet rather than just an infrastructure host. For consortium builders, DIPC offers the credibility of a physics center that consistently wins PI-level funding, plus hands-on experimental capabilities in 2D materials that are directly relevant to the Graphene Flagship ecosystem.

Highlights from their portfolio

• BOLD
  Largest single grant (EUR 3.2M ERC) pursuing a fundamentally new approach to detecting neutrinoless double beta decay via single barium atom tagging — a potential breakthrough in particle physics.
• SuperFlat
  EUR 2.3M ERC grant investigating superconductivity, catalysis, and topology in flat band systems — positioned at the frontier of quantum materials research.
• SURFINK
  Early flagship project (EUR 1.9M) establishing DIPC's on-surface synthesis capabilities, which became a foundation for subsequent 2D materials work across multiple projects.