INSTITUTO DE ASTROFISICA DE CANARIAS

Their core work

IAC is one of Spain's premier astrophysics research centres, located in the Canary Islands — home to some of Europe's best astronomical observing sites. They specialize in solar physics, stellar and galactic astrophysics, cosmology, and the development of ground-based telescope infrastructure. IAC plays a central role in the European Solar Telescope (EST) initiative and operates major observatories that serve the international research community. Beyond core astrophysics, they contribute to planetary defence research and promote scientific capacity-building in Europe's outermost regions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), IAC focused on cosmological foreground modelling, gender equality initiatives, light pollution awareness, and laying the groundwork for the European Solar Telescope through preparatory projects. From 2019 onward, the emphasis shifted decisively toward solar physics and magnetism (WHOLE SUN, CHLARE, SOLARNET), planetary defence (NEOROCKS, NEO-MAPP), and consolidating European research infrastructure networks (ORP). The trajectory shows IAC narrowing from a broad astrophysics portfolio toward deep solar physics leadership while adding applied space security capabilities.

IAC is positioning itself as the European hub for solar physics instrumentation and research, while expanding into applied near-Earth object monitoring — expect future calls around the European Solar Telescope and space weather.

How they like to work

IAC balances leadership and partnership nearly equally — coordinating 10 of 23 projects while participating in 12 others, showing confidence in running projects but also willingness to contribute as a specialist. With 276 unique consortium partners across 39 countries, they operate as a well-connected hub rather than a closed circle. Their consortia range from tight research teams (ERC grants like POLMAG) to large infrastructure networks (OPTICON with dozens of partners), making them adaptable collaborators comfortable at any consortium scale.

IAC has collaborated with 276 distinct partners across 39 countries, making it one of the most internationally networked astrophysics centres in H2020. Their partnerships span across Europe with particular strength in solar physics and observatory networks, and they serve as a bridge between mainland European research and the Macaronesian outermost regions.

What sets them apart

IAC offers a rare combination: world-class observing sites in the Canary Islands (among the best in the Northern Hemisphere), deep expertise in solar and stellar physics, and the institutional weight to lead major infrastructure projects like the European Solar Telescope. Their location in an EU outermost region gives them unique access to funding instruments for capacity-building and regional development, while their scientific output competes with top-tier mainland institutions. For consortium builders, IAC brings both observational facilities and analytical expertise — they don't just theorise, they operate telescopes.

Highlights from their portfolio

• POLMAG
  Largest single grant (EUR 2.48M ERC Synergy) — IAC-coordinated frontier research on solar atmospheric magnetism using polarized radiation diagnostics.
• PRE-EST
  EUR 2.4M preparatory phase for the European Solar Telescope — IAC leading the governance, procurement, and strategic roadmap for Europe's next major solar observatory.
• WHOLE SUN
  EUR 990K participation in an ambitious ERC Synergy project modelling the Sun as a complete system — from dynamo to solar wind — positioning IAC in the top tier of solar physics worldwide.