Campus Gandia of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) held its traditional inaugural conference. With this solemn act, which congregated university faculty, staff and students, as well as local, regional and provincial authorities, representatives of associations, institutions and businesses in the Safor county, the 2022-2023 academic year was inaugurated at Campus Gandia.
The event was presided over by the rector of the UPV, José E. Capilla, who stated that “Campus Gandia, multidisciplinary and open, is key to the social and cultural development of the UPV as it positions itself in the Valencian territory.” In addition, it is “a source of talent and innovation, and represents the firm commitment to the university community, to Gandia, the Valencian Community and to society in general”.
Campus Gandia, a commitment to the future
For his part, in his speech, Víctor Sánchez, Director of Campus Gandia by mandatory substitution, highlighted that this “has been an exceptional year in terms of projects and funding, confirming the high level and maturity of the research carried out on Campus Gandía.” In this regard, he recalled that, “the financial volume of R+D+i was above eight million euros,” a figure much higher than the one registered in 2020 or 2019. In addition, after more than ten years of existence, “the Research Institute for the Integrated Management of Coastal Zones has managed to rank in the top 25 research institutions, out of the more than 80 present at the UPV” and “the Mixed Unit of Research in Technology for Marine Studies is developing a series of scientific projects of great importance.”
“Campus Gandia is a campus that looks to the sea, not only in a literal sense, but also as a commitment to the future,” stated the Deputy Director in his speech. Likewise, the Deputy Director of the school offered words of gratitude for the Safor Salut program, for the business chairs and their patrons, “the flagship of our relationship with our surroundings,” for the Gandia City Council and the business group in the area, who has been invited to “count on the talent at Campus Gandia.”
Inaugural conference by Diana Morant, Minister of Science and Innovation
Under the title “Science and Innovation in Spain: A New Push to Transform the Country”, the Minister of Science and Innovation, Diana Morant, was tasked with delivering the inaugural conference. A Telecommunications Engineer from the UPV, Morant was mayor of Gandia during the period of 2015-2021. And, as such, she has visited Campus Gandia on many occasions, always supporting this university with her presence. On this occasion, she has done so as Minister of Science and Innovation. In her presentation, Morant declared that the UPV, “has taught me how to see problems as situations that we can always find solutions for. Studying at this University leaves a mark, gives you a distinctive feature, arranges your way of thinking. Today I am an engineer, an eternal student who is learning every day and today focused on one mission: to contribute to creating a happier, freer, more democratic, prosperous society that is respectful of its environment, now through the promotion of science and technology. innovation.” In addition, the minister indicated that, “as governments, we must be proactive to create new job opportunities and wealth.” Because, “we are living through a change of era that will require ingenious solutions based on science and innovation, a space for quality job opportunities for young people.”
Presentation of the annual report and final degree awards ceremony
During the inaugural conference of the 2022-2023 academic year, the secretary of Campus Gandia, José Pelegrí, presented the annual report that reflected the university activity, not only teaching and research, but also cultural activities, sports, equality, cooperation, etc., which were carried out over the past year.
Source: Laida Frasquet, Journalist for the Office of Communications at the UPV
