ICREA Professor and Leader of the Nanophotonics Group at ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences, Prof. García de Abajo is a pioneering theorist in light-matter interactions, specializing in nanophotonics, plasmonics, and ultrafast phenomena. His seminal contributions include predicting and explaining groundbreaking effects such as plasmonic excitations in atomic-scale systems, complete optical absorption by atomically thin layers, ultrafast electron-light interactions, and radiative heat transfer at sub-femtosecond timescales. His work has established foundational theoretical frameworks for studying ultrafast electron microscopy, pushing the boundaries of space/energy/time resolution into the sub-nanometer, sub-femtosecond, and sub-millielectronvolt regimes.

A two-time recipient of the European Research Council Advanced Grant and the distinguished 2025 SPIE Mozi Award for his transformative contributions to photonics, Prof. García de Abajo bridges theory and experiment, inspiring and collaborating with global research groups in surface science, physical chemistry, and electron microscopy. His theoretical insights have directly guided breakthrough experimental studies, earning him recognition as a visionary who defines new research frontiers. Colleagues, such as Prof. Albert Polman (AMOLF), highlight his unparalleled influence: "A world-renowned theorist, he has uniquely shaped modern nanophotonics by stimulating experimental advances across disciplines and inspiring a global network of collaborators."

Prof. García de Abajo’s work epitomizes excellence, creativity, and transformative impact in cutting-edge photonic science, positioning him as a leading voice in the quest to unravel and harness light-matter interactions at the quantum frontier.