The Aula Magna at UIC Barcelona hosted the graduation ceremony for the fifth cohort of the Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences on 26 June, bringing together students, families, lecturers and members of the university community to celebrate the completion of a new academic stage. 

The ceremony was presided over by the programme director of the Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences, Dr Rosalía Rodríguez, accompanied by Dr Miguel Baena and Dr Jorge Pérez, deputy directors of the Department of Biomedical Sciences. During the opening, Dr Rodríguez introduced the guest of honour for the graduating class, Dr Luis Ruiz, whose career she described as combining research, innovation and leadership, with a notable contribution to the development of the biomedical and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Catalonia.

She also explained that his selection as guest of honour reflected not only his career path but also the values he represents. “Dr Ruiz perfectly embodies the values we seek to promote in this degree: excellence, integrity, vocation, a passion for science and a strong sense of humanity,” she stated.

Dr Luis Ruiz,CEO of Aquilon Cyl and Leukos Biotech and director of the Lifelong Learning Master’s Degree in Biomedical Business Management at UIC Barcelona, then delivered the keynote lecture. Holding a PhD in Molecular Biology and with more than 25 years of experience in research, biotechnology entrepreneurship and the pharmaceutical industry, Dr Ruiz has played a role in the creation of more than 15 companies dedicated to transforming biomedical knowledge into impactful solutions.

A lecture on decisions and opportunities

During his address, Dr Ruiz shared three personal and professional stories to convey to graduates that there is no single way to build a career. Through the story of Álex, a childhood friend who fulfilled his dream of becoming the skipper of a sailing yacht and crossing the Arctic Northwest Passage; of Josep, a researcher who devoted years to studying differential splicing in yeast and whose career changed following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease; and of his own experience, marked by constant changes in direction – from basic research to biomedical entrepreneurship – he highlighted that professional life is always shaped by circumstances beyond individual control.

“If you have a dream, pursue it. But if you do not, allow yourself to be guided. Pay attention to the opportunities that come your way. In time, you will chart your own course. Both approaches are valid,” he noted.

Dr Ruiz reminded attendees that, although many factors influencing career paths are unpredictable, certain values always remain within one’s control. “You can choose to be honest, independent and critical; to be rigorous, as this will give you credibility. But above all, be good people,” he affirmed.

In closing, the guest of honour shared the central message of the day: “What will matter in 40 years’ time will not be so much what you achieved, but how you did it and how you treated the people alongside you.”

Following the awarding of academic sashes and diplomas, the award for the best academic record, the Extraordinary Award for the Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences, was presented to Roger Solsona. For the first time, an award was also presented for the best Bachelor’s Degree Final Project of the cohort, which was awarded to Katrin Hörpudóttir.

Student representatives Elisa Navalón and Roger Solsona took to the stage to look back on the four years they had shared with their classmates, speaking with both humour and heartfelt emotion. They also expressed their gratitude to the lecturers, families and friends who had supported them throughout their time at university.

The closing remarks were delivered by Dr Rosalía Rodríguez, who offered graduates three recommendations as they begin this new stage: trust in themselves, even in moments of uncertainty; surround themselves with good people; and never stop learning. “You leave with far more than a degree. You carry with you the DNA of Biomed UIC and that DNA will remain with you for life, wherever you go,” she concluded.

The ceremony ended with the traditional Gaudeamus Igitur and the formal incorporation of the newly graduated students into UIC Barcelona Alumni, the University’s community of former students.