Newsroom

A new study led by Pablo Piaggi, Ikerbasque Research Fellow at CIC nanoGUNE, offers fresh insight into how nature forms minerals thanks to cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Published in the special issue Machine Learning in Chemistry of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the research demonstrates how machine learning models – AI systems that learn from data – can simulate complex chemical reactions essential to understanding biomineralization (the process by which organisms form minerals like shells and skeletons) and carbon sequestration, a key mechanism in mitigating climate change.

Sir John Pendry, President of the International Advisory Committee of nanoGUNE since its inception, has received the prestigious Copley Medal by the Royal Society. This recognition, one of the oldest and most distinguished in the scientific field, highlights Prof. Pendry's exceptional contributions to science. Every year, Prof. Pendry visits nanoGUNE to participate in the annual Advisory Committee meeting, whose mission is to advise nanoGUNE’s management on the strategic direction the center should take.

The inauguration of IBM's quantum computer in Donostia marks a significant milestone in the advancement of quantum technology in the region. The event, presided over by Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, was attended by prominent figures from the scientific and technological fields, including nanoGUNE's Director General, Jose M. Pitarke, and Ainara Garcia Gallastegui, Director of Technology Transfer, who participated in the round table titled “Building the Global Quantum Ecosystem.”

A new two-step excitation technique efficiently generates and separates different modes of hyperbolic polaritons — directional nanoscale light-matter modes with extreme electromagnetic field confinement — opening new opportunities for ultra-compact photonic circuits.

Interview with Fernando González-Zalba, Group Leader of the Quantum Hardware group, on the occasion of the publication of the 2023-2024 Activity Report.

Researchers from the Quantum Nano-Optics group at the University of Oviedo and the Center for Research on Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (CINN-CSIC), in collaboration with the 2D Nanophotonics group at the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) and the Nanooptics group at CIC nanoGUNE, have observed, for the first time, vibrational strong coupling (VSC) between hyperbolic phonon polaritons in MoO₃ slabs and molecular vibrations of organic compounds. 

Interview with the director of nanoGUNE, Jose M. Pitarke, on the occasion of the publication of the 2023-2024 Activity Report.

Yunfeng Li from the Nanoengineering Group received the Best Poster Award at this year’s International Conference on Optical MEMS and Nanophotonics (OMN 2025), held in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

A business initiative led by postdoctoral researcher Dr. Javier Plou, from the Nanoengineering Group, has been selected among the top 10 start-ups in the Health category of the prestigious EIT Jumpstarter program. The project, which focuses on developing novel spectroscopic technologies for monitoring advanced CAR-T therapies, was first prioritized by Basque Tek Ventures, validating its potential for real-world impact.

The National Gathering of Physics Students (ENEF), the biggest annual event that brings together young people from across Spain who are studying this subject, is taking place this year in Bilbao throughout the week. As part of the programme, on Wednesday July 23 over 170 young students will be visiting the CIC nanoGUNE, CFM, and DIPC centres and the EHU’s Faculty of Chemistry.