IMDEA Materials is opened to establish collaborations with companies, universities, research centers and other institutions to achieve the objectives of the Institute. Different formulas are used to formalize the cooperation, depending on the type and extension of the collaboration. These include research contracts, collaboration in joint research projects funded with public or private funds or by the institutions participating in the research, creation of endowed chairs to perform research in specific areas, etc.
In addition, IMDEA Materials commitment to foster social and economic growth by promoting research of excellence in the region of Madrid has led to the signature of long-term collaborative agreements with the Polytechnic University and the Carlos III University of Madrid. These agreements establish the criteria for sharing scientific personnel and research infrastructures between the institutions, participation of IMDEA researchers in post-graduate university programs, creation of joint research units, participation in joint research projects, etc.
Finally, IMDEA Materials has also established a strategic partnership with the companies which belong to the Board of Trustees (Industria de Turbopropulsores, Antolín, Gamesa, Airbus Operations and Aries-Complex). These companies participate in the government of the Institute and are committed into a strategic partnership with the Institute to develop research lines in collaboration.