Ignacio Cirac awarded the 2025 Medal for Scientific Excellence

Ignacio receives the honour in recognition of the exceptional significance and international impact of his contributions to theoretical quantum optics, quantum information and degenerate quantum gases.

The Medal for Scientific Excellence is conferred following a rigorous selection process and recognises researchers whose work has left a profound and enduring mark on their disciplines. The award forms part of the CSIC’s (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) broader programme of honours dedicated to advancing and celebrating scientific achievement.

At the ceremony, the Spanish National Research Council underscored Ignacio Cirac’s pioneering research in trapped-ion technologies, quantum entanglement, quantum teleportation and projected entangled states. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping contemporary quantum physics and have established him as a leading figure in the field. CSIC President Eloísa del Pino highlighted his career as one that has “pushed the boundaries of knowledge and contributed to redefining them”.

In his remarks upon receiving the award, Ignacio emphasised the need to strengthen a cohesive European ecosystem for quantum technologies. He advocated for coordinated action to develop key components, foster new generations of researchers and ensure Europe remains at the cutting edge of future scientific advances.