DIPC (Donostia International Physics Center)

Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) was founded in 2000 with the mission to perform and catalyse cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines, as well as to convey scientific culture to society. DIPC was the first independent research center created in the Basque Country and it is singular in its institutional structure: DIPC is a Foundation in which both public institutions and private companies participate and contribute to the funding. DIPC was designated a “Basque Excellence Research Center (BERC)” in 2008 by the Basque Government’s Department of Education and recognized as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence in 2019 by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.

DIPC is a strongly person-centered research institution supported by an institutional framework designed to maximize scientific freedom, excellence, and collaboration. Research at DIPC is carried out by a dynamic and diverse community that includes DIPC researchers, DIPC associates, visiting researchers, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. In parallel, the highly-qualified administrative and technical staff provide indispensable professional support.

With strong foundation in theory, simulation, and modelling, DIPC’s research spans condensed matter physics, materials science, nanoscience, physical chemistry, cosmology, particle physics, and life-science-related physics. DIPC’s activities are broadly organized into four thematic areas: QUANTUM, NANO, COSMOS and LIFE. Recently, DIPC has expanded its experimental and interdisciplinary activity, supported by the opening of new laboratory infrastructures (2026) and the instalment of advanced computational resources.

Additionally, DIPC plays an increasingly important institutional role within the Basque Science and Technology System, coordinating IKUR strategies in High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Technologies.

DIPC is strongly committed to outreach, dissemination, and open science, promoting scientific culture, public engagement, and knowledge sharing. DIPC seeks to enhance the social visibility and societal value of research, fostering dialogue between science and society.