Meet ICFO’s Executive Team

Since its founding in 2002, ICFO has evolved from an ambitious “start-up” institute—pursuing the vision of conducting top-tier international research in areas where photonics plays a decisive role—into an established center with a stellar global reputation. Today, ICFO hosts over 500 people, organized into 26 research teams that operate 80 state-of-the-art laboratories within a purpose-built facility. The institute plays an expanding leadership role in international research projects and programs, driven by its commitment to excellence and adaptability in a dynamic research landscape.  

On September 1, 2024, Prof. Oriol Romero-Isart officially assumed the role of Director and legal representative of the ICFO Foundation, reporting to the Board of Trustees. He succeeds Prof. Lluís Torner, whose visionary leadership and personal dedication have guided the institute since its founding in 2002.

To support the next phase of ICFO’s successful journey, and embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead, ICFO’s new director has established an Executive Team consisting of a Vice Director of Innovation, Sponsored Research, and Public Engagement (VD ISRPE), a Vice Director of People, Education and Culture (VD PEC), a Chief Financial and Compliance Officer (CFO), an Infrastructure Manager, and the Director himself. This new leadership structure has been supported by the Board of Trustees.

As of Monday, Dr. Silvia Carrasco, who led the Knowledge & Technology Transfer team at ICFO, Dr. Robert Sewell, previously Head of Academic Affairs, and Mercè Carrasco, who joins ICFO with over 15 years of management experience in Catalan public research centers, assumed the positions of VD ISRPE, VD PEC and CFO respectively. The position of Infrastructure Manager will be filled shortly.

This team, together with all ICFOnians and ICFO stakeholders, is excited to serve ICFO and contribute to the fulfilment of the institute’s mission to pursue disruptive science and technology and nurture the talents of all ICFOnians, with the purpose of improving the wellbeing of our society and planet.