The session, held on the Barcelona campus, addressed new institutional initiatives, the attraction of academic talent and the reorganisation of working committees to further advance the University’s educational mission.
On 11 June, UIC Barcelona hosted the plenary meeting of the University Advisory Board (CAU) for this academic year. The meeting brought together representatives from a range of professional fields at the Barcelona campus to discuss the University’s key challenges and strategic projects.
The session was led by Mr Francesc Homs, chair of the CAU, who thanked members for their commitment and highlighted the role of the working committees as spaces from which initiatives are developed to support the faculties and contribute to institutional progress.
During the meeting, three new members were welcomed to the Board: Mr Alfonso Echevarne, president of Laboratorios Echevarne; Ms Pilar Navarro, director of innovation at the Spanish Federation of Healthcare Technology Companies (Fenin); and Mr Antoni Guerra, managing partner of Penteo. It was also announced that the current Social Sciences Committee will be split. From the 2026–2027 academic year, two new committees will be established, dedicated to the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Law.
In addition, recognition was given to Mr Frederic Borràs for his leadership of the Social Sciences Committee, and it was announced that Mr Francisco Arregui will chair the new Law Committee. The president of the Board also recalled the sixth edition of the Talents with a Future campaign and expressed gratitude for the collaboration of Board members.
The event featured several notable contributions. Dr Esther Calbo, dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, reviewed the Faculty’s 20th anniversary. Dr Marta Mas, vice-rector for Teaching Staff and Academic Organisation, presented the FUTUR UIC programme aimed at attracting and retaining young academic talent. The architect Felipe Pich Aguilera and the general manager, Dr Josep Maria Torné, outlined progress on the expansion project at the Vil·la Regina campus.
Dr Joan de Dou spoke on behalf of the Board of Trustees, sharing his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing UIC Barcelona in the coming years and reinforcing dialogue between the institution’s governing bodies.
In the words of Juan Pablo Garrido, director of Corporate Development at UIC Barcelona, “The value of the University Advisory Board lies in the generosity with which its members place their expertise at the service of the University. Thanks to their commitment, the University strengthens its connection with society and enriches strategic decision-making with diverse and highly valuable perspectives”.
The University Advisory Board currently comprises 95 members across ten working committees. Through their expertise and commitment, this body supports and drives the strategic development of UIC Barcelona, providing specialist advice and promoting the University within their respective spheres of influence. Their vision and support continue to be essential in strengthening the institution’s educational mission, enhancing its social impact and advancing its commitment to academic excellence and the holistic education of its students.
