Acting as a BioPhotonics Hub in Catalonia, ICFO collaborates with hospitals, health care centers, biomedical research centers, Universities and corporations.

ICFO conducts research and development at the cutting-edge of biophotonics and nanophotonics, with a special focus on the variety of imaging modalities and techniques that aim at continuously breaking the limits of resolution (spatial and temporal). Ongoing research thrusts include different advanced multiphoton and fluorescence techniques, single-molecule approaches, pioneering near-field nano-imaging, plasmonics and nano-antenna approaches, Raman imaging, photothermal imaging, diffuse optical imaging, among others. ICFO hosts also active programs in nanosurgery, neuro-intensive care monitoring, plasmonic oncology and dermatology.