Opening of new research laboratories at IMDEA Networks

01 December 2017

The Rector of University Carlos III of Madrid, Professor Juan Romo, accompanied by the Director of the Higher Polytechnic School, Professor Daniel Segovia and the Director of the Department of Telematics Engineering, Professor Mario Muñoz, visited last week the headquarters of IMDEA Networks Institute, and performed the honorary opening of newly refurbished research space in the building. IMDEA Networks is a research organization on computer and communication networks that has placed Madrid as a leading European region in the design and creation today of the networks of tomorrow.

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After the opening ceremony, the visitors performed a tour of the building led by the Institute’s directive team and they were explained its scientific program and technical advances representative of the work carried out by the seven research groups and two labs in which the team of scientists is currently structured. Researchers from different nationalities and with diverse backgrounds work at IMDEA Networks on research developments with real-world applications: from rescue operations in disaster scenarios, to improved video streaming, the optimized use of a scarce resource such as the radio spectrum, reducing energy consumption, the benefits of cloud and distributed computing, or the analysis of social networks with applications in marketing or sociology.

The center is located in Leganés (Madrid) in a 4000 m² building that is being gradually refurbished. After the latest refurbishment work, which has enabled 396 m², the Institute has a current working surface of 2,068 m², which houses offices for researchers, the administration and support personnel and 8 main laboratories. It also hosts the 5G innovation lab 5TONIC. In an international multidisciplinary environment coexist around 59 employees representing 17 nationalities. IMDEA Networks is funded by the Community of Madrid, and private companies participate financially in some of its projects. In addition, there are currently 15 ongoing research projects that have attracted funding from various sources: 8 European projects, 3 financed by the regional government of Madrid, 1 supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) of China and another 1 by the NSF USA. Through these initiatives the institute collaborates with more than 60 industry and around 120 academic partners.

IMDEA Networks is part of the IMDEA initiative, a project of the regional government consisting of seven specialized centers of advanced studies in seven subject areas: water, food, energy, materials, nanoscience, networks and software. The IMDEA institutes reflect the commitment of the government of the Community of Madrid to put research, science and technology at the service of citizens.

The IMDEA Networks building does not house the typical scientific working space to which we have become accustomed through the media. On-site facilities do not display microscopes, large machines, special isolation chambers, and scientists with robes holding test tubes. At IMDEA Networks research is based on wired networks, and even more in the wireless domain, in underwater communications that employ ultrasound, or in the novel idea of visible light communication, among other areas. There are many computers, cabling and measurement equipment, routers, antennas and servers, to test the possibilities of each communicative theory, each protocol and algorithm designed to make our everyday communication a more reliable, fast and safe experience.

"The ultimate goal of our work is to improve the quality of life for all. Communication is a key aspect of the social fabric, which permeates all human activities and enhances our ability to develop," stated Arturo Azcorra, director of IMDEA Networks, during the visit. 

Arturo Azcorra, Director of IMDEA Networks and Prof. Juan Romo, Rector of University Carlos III of Madrid cut the inaugural ribbon.