The ALBA Synchrotron is the largest scientific and technological infrastructure in Spain. It’s located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (about 20 kilometres from Barcelona).
The ALBA Synchrotron is the largest scientific and technological infrastructure in Spain. It’s located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (about 20 kilometres from Barcelona).
ALBA is a complex of electron accelerators that produce synchrotron light, which allows us to visualise the atomic structure of matter and study its properties.
Each year, ALBA generates around 6,000 hours of synchrotron light, serving more than 2,500 members of the scientific and industrial communities from Spanish institutions (60%) as well as from other countries (40%). Currently, the facility operates 13 beamlines, primarily dedicated to research in the fields of biosciences, condensed matter (nanoscience and magnetic and electronic properties), and materials science. In addition, new beamlines are under construction.
The ALBA Synchrotron is managed by the Consortium for the Construction, Equipment and Operation of the Synchrotron Light Laboratory (CELLS) and is co-funded equally by the Government of Spain and the Government of Catalonia. It is part of the network of Infraestructuras Científicas y Técnicas Singulares (ICTS), which are dedicated to cutting-edge, high-quality research and technological development, as well as to promoting the transmission, exchange, and preservation of knowledge, technology transfer, and innovation.
Introduce primary school children to scientific careers and give them a chance to experience science first-hand.
Build bridges between the scientific and educational communities by giving teachers real contexts to use in science lessons.
Reinforce ALBA's commitment to scientific dissemination, bringing cutting-edge science closer to society as a whole.
Strengthen the ties between the ALBA Synchrotron and the Spanish society, breaking down the geographical barrier between the infrastructure and citizens.
If you’re interested in teaching students about synchrotrons and how they work, have a look at our resources and teaching materials.
If you’d like to visit our facilities, you can request a guided tour or join us for the ALBA Open Day.
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