Spain

Three Spanish teams contribute to SUMO, grouped within a single partner under the legal entity CSIC.

Institute of Materials Science (ICMA, CSIC-University of Zaragoza): ICMA Joint Research Institute between CSIC and the University of Zaragoza (UZ). It has long-standing expertise on the characterization of magnetic molecules at very low T using home-made cryogenic sensors ( µSQUID susceptometers, nano-SQUID sensors, µHall magnetometers, micro- and nano-calorimeters). This node has access to micro- and nano-fabrication facilities. It also includes a world-class theory group working on light-matter interaction, quantum circuits and circuit QED.

University of Barcelona (UB): The node at the UB will be composed of the Group of Magnetism and Functional Molecules, GMMF (www.gmmf-ub.com). The GMMF focuses on the design and preparation of functional molecules for the study of properties with a view on their potential application in future information technologies. The PI of this node has hold an ERC Starting Grant Project with title “Design and Preparation of Functional Molecules for Quantum Computing and Information Processing”. As a result, it has gained access to increased laboratory space now totalling 200 m2. Especially relevant is the acquisition of an X-ray diffractometer for single crystals, Bruker Apex-II Quazar, to determine molecular structures. The PI has recently been appointed Director of the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of the UB (IN2UB), which gathers 150 permanent researchers, around 50 postdoctoral fellows and more than 80 PhD students from this institution.

Universidad de Valencia / Instituto de Ciencia Molecular (UVEG). UVEG ranks third among Spanish universities in indexed scientific production. According to the ISI Essential Sciences Indicators data, UVEG is ranked in Chemistry among the 50 best Universities on a world scale. Such a remarkable position has been possible thanks to the work developed at the Molecular Science Institute (ICMol), which has produced more than the 90% of the highly cited papers in Chemistry and Materials Science of the UVEG. The research of ICMol (www.icmol.es) focuses on molecular nanoscience and includes the design and study of new functional materials using a molecular approach. Located at the Scientific Park of the UVEG, ICMol employs more than 150 scientific researchers and houses the most advanced systems for the preparation, characterization and study of molecules, materials and devices. ICMol is one of the few Spanish research centers that has been distinguished by the Spanish MINECO as “Research Unit of Excellence”. The excellence of this institute is also demonstrated by the fact that 4 of its researchers have been awarded with an ERC grant.