Unique Science and Technology Infrastructures (ICTS)

Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS) are exceptional facilities that are unique. They develop cutting-edge and top-quality research, and act as centres for transmitting, exchanging and preserving knowledge, transferring technology and promoting innovation. The ICTS have three key characteristics: they are publicly-owned, they are unique and open to competitive access.

This area has significantly increased its representation in the current ICTS Map. Infrastructure networks have been established under the concept of distributed ICTS in the field of imaging, nanotechnology and the 'omic' sciences. In addition, high biological security laboratories are also reinforced, expanding infrastructure of this type that offers its services. 

The availability of sustainable and economically competitive energy sources is a key factor for the advancement and development of any country, so it is essential to have infrastructure that facilitates scientific and technological progress in this area. Thus, the current ICTS Map includes infrastructure that researches and offers its facilities in the field of solar power and fusion energy. 

It can be considered that materials science is ultimately intended to research, synthesise and develop new substances according to desired properties for purposes and applications determined in any type of field (engineering, computing, biotechnology, etc.). To do this, instrumentation is required to move closer and closer to the basic structure of matter. To this end, the ICTS Map includes infrastructure that offers state-of-the-art facilities in electron microscopy, synchrotron light, micro/nano manufacturing, ultra-short ultra-intense lasers and complex particle accelerators.

Astronomy is a unique discipline in Spanish science that has undergone exponential development in recent decades, acquiring a prominent position internationally. The Astronomy Infrastructure Network (RIA) coordinates national observation infrastructure recognised as ICTS with two major areas represented: radio, optical and infrared astronomy. In the field of astrophysics, the Canfranc Underground Laboratory has also strengthened its strategic position in this discipline.