Nearly 250 people attended the latest edition of ThankUDay, the annual event organised by
UIC Barcelona to thank the individuals, companies and organisations whose support helps
to enhance the University’s impact on society.

The event, held in the Aula Magna on the Barcelona campus, brought together
representatives from the business, institutional and social sectors connected to the
University. Proceedings were led by Ramon Pellicer, journalist and chair of the
Communications Committee of the University Advisory Board (CAU), and opened with
remarks from the CAU chair, Francesc Homs, who highlighted the role of strategic partners
within the University’s wider mission: “Through your support, you contribute to educating the
professionals our society needs. By working with UIC Barcelona, you are investing in
education, talent and the future.”

In its seventh edition, the University presented an award to the Maria Pou–Lunet Foundation
in the Talent category, in recognition of its sustained collaboration since 2013 in research
initiatives and its support for social inclusion grants. These grants enable talented students
with limited financial resources to access higher education, fostering equal opportunities and
supporting their academic and personal development. The award was accepted by the
foundation’s president, Juan Miguel Carmona.

In the Research category, UIC Barcelona highlighted its long-standing collaboration with
Johnson & Johnson, which began in 2013 with the creation of the Innovative Classroom in
Healthcare Policy, directed by Dr Boi Ruiz. Developed in partnership with the University
Institute for Patient Care, this initiative promotes research, teaching and knowledge transfer
in areas such as healthcare management, health policy and patient participation in decision-
making. The award was accepted by David Beas, director of Government Affairs and Market
Access at the company.

In the Care for People category, the University made special mention of a partner
organisation that chose to dedicate the recognition to Cuides UIC Barcelona, a project it
supports and which has become a leading university clinic for comprehensive, person-
centred care for patients with advanced conditions and palliative needs, as well as for
supporting their families.
 

Reflections on artificial intelligence, business and society

The event also featured a conversation on artificial intelligence, business and society
between Ramon Pellicer and Josep Salvatella, founder and president of RocaSalvatella. The
discussion explored the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and emphasised the
importance of ensuring that people remain at the centre of technological transformation. In
this context, Salvatella referred to the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas by Pope Leo XIV,
highlighting the importance of critical thinking and advocating for the ethical use of artificial
intelligence in the service of the common good.

The event concluded with remarks by the rector of UIC Barcelona, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, who
thanked all those involved for their ongoing support. “We share a common purpose: to
transform society by placing the person at the centre,” he said. “Thanks to your trust and
collaboration, we can continue to educate outstanding professionals committed to values,
responsibility and service to society.”

Organised by the Corporate Development Department, ThankUDay has become an
established forum for celebrating strategic partnerships and reinforcing UIC Barcelona’s
engagement with society.