The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) held a new session of its Governing Council today, during which Rector Pepe Capilla reviewed the progress made in recent years and outlined the strategic direction for the new term.

The rector began his address by thanking the entire university community for its participation in the recent electoral processes, the first to be held under the new statutes with electronic voting and a single candidate. He also expressed his appreciation to those who have served on collegiate bodies and welcomed the new members joining the governing team.

A Period of Transformation and Growth

During the past term, the UPV has achieved significant growth across multiple areas. Capilla highlighted the recovery of student enrollment, reversing the previous negative trend, as well as the doubling of research and innovation resources. He noted that these accomplishments have been made possible through more efficient management and a reduction in bureaucracy, with improvements to platforms such as the Research Portal, the Employee Portal, and the MiUPV app. Additionally, he emphasized the strengthened communication between the university’s various units.

Challenges and Opportunities in the New Term

This new phase marks the first six-year mandate, divided into two three-year periods, with a mid-term review to assess progress and implement corrective measures if necessary. Among the key challenges, the rector highlighted:

Artificial Intelligence: The university is fully committed to integrating AI into management and teaching. The development of poliGPT will be enhanced, and new methodologies will be introduced to ensure students continue to learn effectively using these tools.

Educational Transformation: Digital competencies will be strengthened for all university staff, and new educational approaches will be implemented.

Infrastructure and Sustainability: With funding from historical debt compensation and additional external resources, the UPV will undertake an ambitious plan for infrastructure renewal and construction, including the relocation of laboratories and the development of a new student residence.

Occupational Health and Well-being: Safety and prevention protocols will be revised and the structure of the health and safety committee will be reinforced.

Fundraising and Business Collaboration: The UPV is the Spanish university with the highest number of corporate-sponsored chairs and classrooms, a key strategy to strengthen student training and promote strategic alliances.

Restructuring of the Governing Team

During the Governing Council session, the rector detailed a reorganization of the team to effectively address the university’s upcoming challenges. The main changes include:

José Pedro García Sabater will take charge of academic programs, quality, and accreditation.

Silvia Terrasa will fully lead digital transformation.

The Language Center will now report to Elena de la Poza, integrating training and cultural programs previously managed by the Office of International Affairs.

The Language Normalization Service will be transferred to the General Secretariat.

General Affairs will move under the Vice-Rectorate of Eugenio Pellicer.

A coordination commission will be created between the Vice-Rectorates of Sustainability and Infrastructure.

Change in Occupational Health and Safety: Mª Teresa Pellicer will assume the highest responsibility in this area, replacing Eduardo Bolufer.

The head of the Occupational Health and Safety Service will be appointed soon.

The Legal and Data Protection Department will be integrated into a new Vice-Secretariat General, with a focus on legal affairs.

Data protection matters will now be part of the Transparency Office.

The General Manager and the Head of Internal Control, Emilio Mur, have been appointed in agreement with the Social Council.

Commitment to Post-DANA Recovery

The rector also addressed the university’s role in post-DANA recovery, emphasizing the strong involvement of experts, the launch of a crowdfunding campaign, and efforts to restore lost photographic records. He stressed the need to revise emergency protocols to better protect flood-prone areas, considering the lessons learned from this event.

Other Agreements and Updates

The session also covered several key topics:

The renewal of EUR-ACE accreditations, affected by a dispute between the Spanish Institute of Engineering and ANECA.

The importance of securing long-term funding stability through the Multi-Year Funding Plan (2028-2030).

Recognition of UPV researchers recently honored by Royal Academies and in prestigious journals, including a Nature cover publication on neutrino detection.

The decision not to renew the contract with Elsevier, as negotiations continue with major publishers regarding access to research databases.

The UPV’s successful acquisition of the ANECA Employability and Entrepreneurship Seal, for which it played a key role in the pilot program and definition process.

The rector concluded his address by reaffirming his commitment to an innovative, sustainable, and high-achieving UPV, expressing gratitude to the entire university community for their contributions in this new phase.