The Institute is a research center that covers various fields of physics and optics, from theoretical to applied aspects.

ICFO's SLN facility is part of the European CORBEL and LaserLab research infrastructures.

Research is being conducted in the field of medical optics, and several programs and initiatives have been established with local hospitals, healthcare centers, biomedical research centers, universities, among others to integrate photonic based technologies in healthcare services.

The center also performs research in nanophotonics, such as nano-structured materials, nano-cavities, nano-antennas, and nano-photonic devices.

ICFO participates in local and international Master and PhD Programs: ICFO maintains a range of industrial collaborations and has to date helped to generate six spin-off companies: Radiantis (2005),[5] Cosingo- Imagine Optics Spain S.L.