The Aula Magna at UIC Barcelona hosted the opening ceremony of the 2025–2026 academic year, bringing together around 400 attendees, including academic authorities and members of the university community. Dr Josep Samitier, director of the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and professor of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Barcelona, delivered the inaugural lecture.

During his talk, titled “Bioengineering: a story of the future of humanity”, Dr Samitier highlighted that this discipline will “enhance our ability to heal and transform the human body, as well as shape the future of our species.” He also stressed that bioengineering opens up a wide range of possibilities to influence human development, create therapies for cancer and degenerative diseases, and “improve the sustainability of the planet and of human life beyond Earth.”

Dr Samitier made it clear that all scientific progress must be accompanied by the development of bioethics, concluding that “In the future, we will need to consider whether we want to cure illnesses, prevent future risks or delay ageing, which will require a broad social debate.” 

Mr Miquel Soriano, director general for Universities at the Government of Catalonia, stated that “In just over twenty-five years, UIC Barcelona has established itself as a leading university within the Catalan university system, with a distinct identity. It is committed to the holistic education of the individual and to transmitting values rooted in Christian humanism. These values give meaning to its teaching and research activities, thereby fulfilling its mission to humanise the transformation of society. This is a unique and valuable contribution. At a time when universities must address major global challenges – technological, social and ethical – UIC Barcelona reminds us that knowledge only has real social impact when it serves the individual and their dignity.”

The rector, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, officially opened the 2025–2026 academic year and expressed his gratitude for the achievements of the previous year, made possible thanks to the commitment, professionalism and spirit of service shown by all members of the university community. Dr Méndiz emphasised the major challenge UIC Barcelona faces in the 2025–2026 academic year: “projecting our mission in a changing world, adapting to new circumstances without losing sight of who we are.” He reminded attendees that “Our purpose as a university is to transform society through higher education. What sets us apart is how we do it: we aim to humanise that transformation.”

In his address, the UIC Barcelona rector also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to becoming a global university, “expressed through five key points: conducting cutting-edge research focused on improving lives and society; educating not only skilled professionals but also individuals with moral awareness and a sense of responsibility towards contemporary realities, through interdisciplinary dialogue promoted by the Institute of Culture and Thought (CIP); making education accessible throughout all stages of adult life; welcoming students and teachers from diverse nationalities and cultures; and integrating emerging trends and technologies into the University’s global educational project.”

Presentation of the academic report 

Ms Belén Castro, secretary general of the University, presented the academic report for the 2024–2025 academic year, reviewing the most significant milestones in teaching, research and knowledge transfer, as well as the social engagement initiatives promoted by the institution during the previous year.

Among the highlights was the University’s commitment to internationalisation, with 31% of enrolled students coming from abroad and 109 nationalities represented across its two campuses, located in Barcelona and Sant Cugat del Vallès. This outward-looking approach is reflected in 497 mobility agreements resulting from partnerships with overseas universities, which in turn have led to 52 international double degrees being offered as part of the academic portfolio. 

Research and knowledge transfer are also key pillars of the University’s strategy, with a strong commitment to scientific talent to address societal needs. This approach has resulted in 320 registered scientific publications during the 2024–2025 academic year, 14 corporate chairs, 4 corporate classrooms, 15 active patent families, 23 research groups and 167 ongoing projects. 

The ceremony concluded with the traditional Gaudeamus Igitur, and the Rector officially declared the 2025–2026 academic year open.