On 20 November, UIC Barcelona held the first plenary session of the University Advisory Council for the 2025–2026 academic year in the Saló de Graus, a key meeting to review the institutional roadmap and reinforce dialogue between the University and civil society. The session was chaired by Mr Francesc Homs, who formally welcomed attendees and highlighted the value of collective commitment in what is expected to be a particularly strategic year.
Following the welcome address, the Council secretary, Carmen Drópez, proceeded to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Next, the Council welcomed its new member, Josep Maria “Pep” Martorell, partner at InvivoAI and former director of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, whose distinguished career in the scientific and technological fields strengthens the Council’s multidisciplinary profile. This development reaffirms the sustained growth of a body that now comprises 95 members across 10 working committees.
One of the central points of the session was the presentation of a new institutional committee designed to support the Rector in strategic areas such as science, business, politics and higher education. This committee will include Montserrat Trapé, Javier Mirallas, Pep Martorell, Francesc Homs, Gloria Mas-Bagà, head of the Rector’s Office, and Juan Pablo Garrido, director of the CAU. “It has been created with the aim of strengthening UIC Barcelona’s institutional presence in an increasingly competitive and global environment,” noted Mr Homs.
The launch of the sixth edition of the TalentsWithAFuture campaign was also announced. This initiative helps to reinforce the University’s Grants and Financial Aid Programme and to attract academic talent. During his address, the President of the CAU emphasised the importance of the link between the University and society: “We need the knowledge generated within the University to engage in constant dialogue with the realities of our environment. Only then can we advance towards building stronger social, scientific and cultural progress, aligned with current needs and capable of delivering innovative solutions that benefit the entire community.”
The day continued with a presentation by the rector, Dr Alfonso Mendiz, who delivered the University's institutional narrative. Next, Dr Enric Vidal, dean of the Faculty of Education Sciences, outlined the strategic plan for education, followed by Dr Eduardo Mirpuri, vice-rector of International Relations, who presented the European alliance Educare 5.0. Dr Joan de Dou, representing the Board of Trustees, closed the series of presentations. In each presentation, CAU members contributed their expertise and fostered a highly enriching dialogue, underscoring the Council’s advisory role in the University’s strategic decision-making.
The University Advisory Council brings together leading figures from the business, legal, cultural, healthcare, and educational sectors who, through their experience and commitment to the common good, support and drive UIC Barcelona’s strategic development. Their vision and support are essential to strengthening our educational mission and our presence in society. Through its various working committees, the CAU provides strategic advice and promotes the University, consolidating its commitment to academic excellence and the holistic education of its students.
