The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) was conceived as a place where highly motivated and dedicated researchers would have the resources, both in terms of advanced equipment and human capital, to engage in research at the very highest international level. At the core of ICFO life is the drive for deeper scientific understanding which can only be gained by dedication, hard work, asking questions and experimenting with new concepts and ideas. ICFO’s scientific impact factor is high and the ambition to publish original findings is strong.