About the programme

The Instituto Galego de Física de Altas Enerxías (IGFAE), a joint center of the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela and the Xunta de Galicia, is opening applications for its Summer Fellowship 2026 Program, The aim of this call is to promote early research experiences among undergraduate students by attracting high-level students interested in participating in extracurricular training activities as part of a scientific project.

A minimum of 6 fellowships are offered.

Selected candidates will become part of the daily activities at the IGFAE, a center recognized as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence by the Spanish State Research Agency and a member of the CIGUS network of the Xunta de Galicia, which acknowledges the quality and impact of its research. Applications can be submitted to any of the center’s research areas, including particle physics, astroparticle and nuclear physics, quantum science and technology, as well as to the management unit and science communication or outreach teams.

What will you find at IGFAE?

Cutting-edge research

An inspiring working atmosphere

Fantastic place to enjoy the summer!

Requirements and evaluation

01

Qualifications

Applicants must have an average academic grade equal to or greater than 8 out of 10 and have completed at least 55% of their degree credits.

02

Academic background

Applicants must be enrolled in one of the final two years of any undergraduate degree within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) or another university system. One scholarship is reserved for students not pursuing degrees in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry, or equivalent (PEMC degrees), and five for students enrolled in PEMC degrees.

If the reserved fellowship is not awarded to students outside the PEMC fields, they may be reassigned to students in PEMC degrees. However, the number of fellowships granted to students outside PEMC degrees may not exceed those awarded to students within PEMC degrees.

03

Evaluation criteria

Based on a 10-point scale:

70% for academic record
20% for CV (including publications, awards, and relevant training)
10 %: motivation letter

04

Prazo de presentación de solicitudes

June 16, 2026, 23.59h (CEST)

Conditions

The internships will last for one month, preferably from July 1 to 31, 2026. The weekly workload will be 30 hours, with a schedule to be agreed upon with the supervising researcher.
Each fellowship amounts to €800 gross (or proportional if the stay is shorter than one month), subject to applicable tax deductions.
If the stay takes place during the preferred period (1-31 July), the fellowship includes accommodation in a single room at a university residence within the University of Santiago de Compostela’s Residence System or an equivalent alternative.
Travel assistance is available for participants residing outside Santiago de Compostela: up to €80 for students from Galicia, up to €500 for students from other parts of Spain, and up to €2,000 for international students, in accordance with market rates and subject to budget availability. All expenses must be justified with supporting documents.
Costs related to obtaining necessary documents for the stay in Spain, registration with the Social Security system, and opening a valid bank account for receiving the stipend can be covered.
Any expenditure must be notified in advance, and reimbursement will be subject to approval by the IGFAE management.

Apply here!

Link to the call

My experience as an IGFAE Summer Fellow

Belén Rodríguez Soto (2019) | Project Manager @ PM4Gov

At IGFAE, I had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the workings of an internationally excellent research centre, working on the analysis of its transfer capabilities and socioeconomic impact.
This experience was key to consolidating my interest in the economics of science and innovation, which I subsequently developed as a researcher in Applied Economics.
Today, I apply this approach in strategic consulting and the management of innovation projects, connecting funding and public policies to generate real impact.

Juan Álvarez Ruiz (2023) | MsC Student in Theoretical Physics at Heidelberg (Germany)

The IGFAE Summer Fellowship 2023 program gave me the opportunity to take my first steps into physics research. I had the chance to work on a project with Meijian Li, where I strengthened my passion for physics and, for the first time, experienced the academic world beyond the classroom.
I believe that working on a project like those offered through the Summer Fellowship program gave me a new perspective on the physics we learn during our undergraduate studies. Facing a problem whose solution you do not already know and cannot simply look up elsewhere is an experience I would recommend to anyone wondering whether research is the right path for them.

Álvaro Iturbe Javaloyes (2024) | MsC Student in Physics at USC

Enjoying the IGFAE Summer Fellowships was a truly unique experience for me. Being able to spend a whole month working hand in hand with a top‑level researcher to develop a project in such a fascinating field as mathematical physics, in my case, is an unforgettable opportunity that allows you to understand how research really works.
Thanks to this experience, I also discovered that this is the field I want to continue in. That’s why I am now working on my Master’s Thesis and a collaboration grant with my supervisor, with the prospect of pursuing a PhD.
At the same time, the experience is truly enriching thanks to the city of Santiago, with its wide cultural offer, and the fantastic people you meet during the fellowship—creating bonds and friendships that I still maintain today.
It is an experience I remember with great affection and one that I wholeheartedly recommend giving a chance to, without the slightest doubt.

Luis Arcas Morcillo (2025) | Student of the double degree of Physics and Mathematics at USC

Thanks to the IGFAE Summer Fellowships, I’ve been able to learn about the state-of-the-art in particle physics investigation inside an excellent research center. I’ve been able to apply useful machine-learning techniques for real LHCb data processing, to collaborate with great professionals and to share this experience with marvellous colleagues. Beyond that, I’ve been able to go deep into the investigation career, its challenges and benefits to us all. To everyone interested in applying: do not hesistate! A truly enrichening experience, both in academic and personal value. Working on a research project gave me the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. I learned how to design experiments, interpret results, and communicate findings in a clear and meaningful way. The supportive guidance from mentors made even the most challenging moments valuable learning experiences. What made the fellowship truly special was the collaborative atmosphere. Conversations in the lab, workshops, and informal gatherings created constant opportunities to exchange perspectives and deepen our understanding of physics. This experience not only strengthened my academic skills but also inspired me to continue pursuing research in the future.

Enrique Rodríguez Ramos (2025) | MsC Student in Physics at Granada University (Spain)

Working with leading researchers in the field of high-energy physics, and in an environment as conducive to science as the IGFAE, has been incredibly enriching in every way.
As well as learning many new concepts and innovative ways of working, it helped me understand what day-to-day life is like at an institute like this and how to thrive in this kind of environment. And I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way!
More practically speaking, thanks to taking part in this programme, I’ve been able to be selected for other programmes, and it has opened many doors in my professional career that would otherwise have remained closed.
I’d recommend it to everyone, even if you’re not yet sure what you want to specialise in.

Summer Fellowships 2026