The goals of IMDEA Materials, particularly the excellence in research and technology transfer to industry, require a delicate balance between fundamental and applied research activities. This is obtained by dividing the research focus into "vertical" and "horizontal" lines.
Vertical research lines are focused in new materials and components of interest for industrial enterprises which have established a strategic partnership with the Institute to develop research lines. This association guarantees the industrial exploitation of the new developments as well as the financial support for the Institute through contracts with industry and participation in national and international research programs.
Horizontal research lines establish areas of expertise in the forefront of scientific and technological research that go beyond the state-of-the-art and provide technological leadership looking at the long-term challenges of the industrial partners. The combination of horizontal and vertical lines is expected to establish IMDEA Materials as a leading research institution in Materials Science and Engineering in the international arena.
