2024 was a testament that collaboration is at the core of ICN2, uniting 377 members walking towards common goals through dialogue across research, administration, industry, policy, and society. Last year also marked our 10th Anniversary, where we celebrated collaboration and shared impact, reflected in institutional and outreach activities such as the Open House Day or Bojos per la Física.

Partnerships with leading research centers and universities, such as the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (Canada) and 9 grants for the Outbound Mobility and the International Visitors Programmes showed that international collaborations are key to make a positive impact on society.

ICN2 is committed to sustainability, as demonstrated by its Sustainability Plan approved in 2024, tackling water, energy, consumables, and waste management. Actions include the My Green Lab certification to improve wet lab practices, the launch of the AI@ICN2 Platform to develop nanosolutions for a sustainable society and the creation of the Sustainability Committee, made up of 67% researchers and 33% administrative staff.

Among many other recognitions, these grants and awards reaffirm ICN2’s scientific excellence and leadership in nanoscience and nanotechnology, both nationally and internationally. In particular, the third consecutive Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence accreditation (2023–2026) reinforces the institute’s position as a leading research center, advancing scientific frontiers in the nano fields of ICT, health, energy and the environment.

2024 achievements in terms of innovation show ICN2’s dedication, and in particular, the Business and Innovation team, to transferring scientific knowledge from the lab to the market. From breakthroughs in neurotechnology to new solutions to bioinspired membranes for tissue regeneration and advanced materials for capturing CO₂, the institute remains committed to developing technologies with real-world impact that add value to society.

In 2024, ICN2 reinforced its commitment to staff's well-being and professional growth through different initiatives, consolidating its reputation as a leading research centre that prioritises talent, diversity, equality, and career development. The daily pursuit of these values is demonstrated by the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) badge, a mark of excellence in HR practices within the research community.