In 2016, IGFAE was accredited as “María de Maeztu” Unit of Excellence, integrating the Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu alliance (SOMMa). This program of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities identifies and promotes excellence in existing cutting-edge research institutions, and supports them to enhance their impact, their international scientific leadership, and competitiveness.

The María de Maeztu award is being significant opportunity to boost the scientific performance of the IGFAE in the quest of some of the most fundamental questions in Physics. The grant, funded with a total of 2M Euros, is for a period of 4 years (renewable), and is allowing the access to dedicated funding calls both for human resources and infrastructure support.

In March 2024, the IGFAE was awarded the María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence for the second time. The distinction will allow the Institute’s strategic project to be developed over the coming years, and to continue with the evolution initiated during the previous accreditation period. The IGFAE is, so far, the only Galician centre to receive this seal of excellence.