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Management Board

José E. Capilla Creates Two New Vice-rectorates to Tackle the Challenges of This New Phase

[ 07/04/2025 ]

José E. Capilla begins a new term with a strengthened structure to address the university's challenges. As part of his growth strategy, he has created two new vice-rectorates: The vice-rectorate for Digital Transformation to drive technological innovation and the Vice-rectorate for Infrastructures and Campus Coordination, aimed at optimising and improving university spaces. With this initiative, the UPV reaffirms its commitment to modernisation, combining digital development with infrastructure improvements to remain a benchmark in education and research. The term ahead spans six years.

A Strong Management Board to Face New Challenges

In this second term, Rector José E. Capilla is committed to the continuity of a trusted team to continue driving the growth and excellence of the UPV. Returning to their positions are Salomé Cuesta, leading the Vice-rectorate for Art, Science, Technology and Society; Juan Carlos Cano, in Faculty and Academic Planning; and José Pedro García, heading Planning, Studies, Quality, and Accreditation. The commitment to sustainable campus development will continue under Débora Domingo, while Belén Picó will remain in charge of Research and Salvador Coll in Innovation and Transfer. Additionally, Alberto Conejero continues as head of Students and Entrepreneurship, José Francisco Monserrat will once again lead Internationalization and Communication, and Santiago Guillem will oversee Coexistence and Well-being. A solid and experienced team is ready to tackle this new phase's challenges.

New Additions

The Management Board of José E. Capilla expands its talent and experience with three new vice-rectors, who will bring a key strategic vision to their respective areas. Eugenio Pellicer, formerly Director of the School of Civil Engineering, takes on the Vice-rectorate for Infrastructures and Campus Coordination. Silvia Terrasa, former Director of the School of Computer Engineering, will lead the Vice-rectorate for Digital Transformation. At the same time, Elena de la Poza, who managed the Strategic Planning Area in the previous term, will head the Vice-rectorate for Employment, Lifelong Learning and Languages. These appointments reinforce the UPV's commitment to innovation, digitalisation, and employability in this new phase.

A Management Board with Experience, Balance, and Continuity

The new Management Board of the UPV balances experience, renewal, and gender parity. Nine of the twelve vice-rectorates are led by full professors, reflecting a strong academic background. The team comprises five women and seven men, demonstrating a commitment to diversity in university governance.

Regarding age, the youngest vice-rector is Elena de la Poza (born 1980), while the most senior is Santiago Guillem (born 1960), offering a generational balance that brings dynamism and strategic vision.

The governing structure is completed by the Chief of the Rector's Office, Carlos Ripoll, Secretary General Josep Antoni Claver, and General Manager Jesús Marí, who continue in their roles, ensuring continuity and stability in this new term.

José E. Capilla: A Rector with a Distinguished Career at UPV

Born in València in 1961, José E. Capilla Romá is a Full Professor of Applied Physics, a Civil Engineer from the Universitat Politècnica de València, and holds a PhD in Water Resources. His academic and scientific career has been recognised with awards such as the Waste Technology Award of the Valencian Community (1999).

With 39 years of teaching experience at UPV, he has held various leadership positions since 1993. He served as vice-rector under Justo Nieto and Francisco Mora. He was Director General of Universities and Higher Education of the Valencian Government (2004-2007) under the Consellería de Empresa, Universidad y Ciencia.

Salomé Cuesta, Vice-rector for Art, Science, Technology, and Society

Born in València in 1964, Salomé Cuesta Valera is a Full Professor in the Department of Sculpture at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the UPV, specialising in the intersection of art, science, and technology.

She taught at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cuenca (1989-1998) and has been at UPV since 1998. She is also the founder of the Laboratory of Light Research Group, a leading research group studying light in art.

Her work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions such as IVAM, CGAC, ZKM, Laboral, EACC, Juana Mordó, and Antoni Estrany. Additionally, she was a member of the ACT Group of FECYT (2003-2007), contributing to developing the White Paper on the Interrelation of Art, Science, and Technology in Spain.

Juan Carlos Cano, Vice-rector for Faculty and Academic Planning

Born in Elche de la Sierra in 1970, Juan Carlos Cano Escribá is a Full Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at UPV, specialising in Computer Architecture. Since 2011, he has developed a distinguished academic and research career.

Before entering academia, he worked for three years as a programming analyst in IBM's manufacturing division. His research work is widely recognised, with over 600 articles published in scientific journals.

Additionally, he is Editor-in-Chief of MDPI Electronics and Deputy Editor-in-Chief for Europe at IET Smart Cities. His scientific impact places him among the top 2% of the world's best scientists, with an h-index of 55 on Google Scholar.

Belén Picó Sirvent, Vice-rector for Research

Born in Jijona in 1970, Belén Picó Sirvent is a Full Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at UPV, specialising in Genetics. Since 2016, she has built an extensive research career, holding four research assessment periods (sexenios) and one for knowledge transfer.

She has led 25 research projects at international, national, and regional levels and collaborated on 10 strategic contracts with companies in the sector. Her scientific output exceeds 300 publications, with 125 articles in high-impact SCI journals focusing on genomic tools for Genetic Improvement. She is also the co-obtainer of four plant varieties.

She actively participates in international forums such as COST Actions, ECPGR, and CGC and is a member of editorial boards for prestigious scientific journals. Her scientific impact is reflected in her h-index of 48 on Google Scholar, with over 9,000 citations and 25 publications ranking in the top 10% of the Web of Science.

José Pedro García Sabater, Vice-rector for Planning, Studies, Quality, and Accreditation

(Previously Vice-rector for Planning, Academic Offer, and Digital Transformation)

Born in Gandia in 1979, José Pedro García Sabater has been a Full Professor in the Department of Business Organization at UPV since 2010. Specialising in Operations Management, he focuses on developing models under uncertainty, resource allocation, and optimising assembly lines, applying mathematical programming and discrete event simulation techniques.

His career combines research and practical application, collaborating with large companies and SMEs to transfer knowledge to the industry. Additionally, he has been recognised for his commitment to inclusive employment and developing projects for individuals with intellectual disabilities. He is also vice president of the Espurna Foundation, which is dedicated to the labour integration of this group.

Débora Domingo Calabuig, Vice-rector for Sustainable Campus Development

Born in València in 1972, Débora Domingo Calabuig is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architectural Projects at UPV. Her research focuses on the social impact of architecture and urban planning in Western Europe during the 1960s and 1970s, with a special emphasis on the evolution of higher education and the planning of new university campuses.

At an international level, she is a member of the Research Academy of the European Association for Architectural Education and is part of the EU Lab ‘New European Bauhaus goes South’, an innovation space for the sustainable transformation of urban environments. Her commitment to equity in architecture was recognised in 2020 with the Lilly Reich Grant for Equality in Architecture.

Eugenio Pellicer Armiñana, Vice-rector for Infrastructures and Campus Coordination

Born in València in 1965, Eugenio Pellicer Armiñana is a Full Professor in the Engineering Projects Area at UPV. His extensive career includes serving as Director of the School of Civil Engineering from December 2016 to February 2025.

He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from UPV and a Master’s from Stanford University. He has a distinguished scientific output of over 100 journal articles and an h-index of 31 on the Web of Science. Additionally, he has authored over 60 projects and was the technical director for 15 urbanisation, road, and railway projects, combining research with professional practice.

Certified as a Professional Project Manager (PMP) by the Project Management Institute (PMI), his experience and training make him a leading figure in infrastructure management and development, particularly within university campuses.

Salvador Coll Arnau, Vice-rector for Innovation and Transfer

Born in Xàtiva in 1970, Salvador Coll Arnau is an Associate Professor in the Electronic Technology area at UPV. Since 2021, he has served as Vice-rector for Innovation and Transfer and Coordinator of RedOTRI at CRUE Spanish Universities, promoting collaboration between universities in technology transfer.

His career includes key management roles at the Polytechnic city of Innovation, which he directed from 2013 to 2021, after holding leadership positions since 2005. In 2001, he worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory (USA), strengthening his international profile.

As a researcher in high-performance computing, he has led over 30 research and transfer projects and has contributed to more than 50 scientific and educational publications, advancing technological innovation.

J. Alberto Conejero Casares, Vice-rector for Students and Entrepreneurship

Born in Castellón in 1976, J. Alberto Conejero Casares is a Full Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics at UPV, a position he has held since 2020. He was Department Director from 2016 to 2023 and has led several key university areas, including the Academic Performance and Student Curriculum Assessment Area and the Vice-Secretary General Area.

With over 100 articles published in indexed journals on mathematics and its applications, he has balanced a research career with strong teaching excellence. In 2014, he received the UPV Social Council Teaching Excellence Award, recognising his commitment to educational quality.

In 2021, he was co-leader of the winning team in the Pandemic Response Challenge, organised by the XPRIZE Foundation, a milestone highlighting his leadership in innovative projects.

Jose F. Monserrat del Río, Vice-rector for Internationalization and Communication

Born in 1980, Jose F. Monserrat del Río is a Full Professor at the School of Telecommunications Engineering at UPV. His research specialises in 6G wireless systems design and their application to autonomous driving, a cutting-edge field in telecommunications.

With an h-index of 30, he has led seven European projects and coordinated a Marie Curie European PhD network, establishing himself as a key figure in his field. In 2024, he was selected by the U.S. Department of State to participate in its prestigious international leadership program, recognising his global influence in telecommunications.

Additionally, he has advised the European Commission and the World Bank on critical topics such as 5G communications for road infrastructure, applying his expertise to enhance global technological infrastructure.

Silvia Terrasa Barrena, Vice-rector for Digital Transformation

(Newly Created Vice-rectorate)

Born in València in 1974, Silvia Terrasa Barrena is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at UPV, specialising in Computer Architecture. Since 2010, she has played a key role in academic training at the university, participating in various research projects within the Industrial Informatics Group.

Before becoming Vice-rector for Digital Transformation, she served as Director of the School of Informatics in 2017, strengthening education and innovation in the field. Since January 2024, she has also been President of the Conference of Directors and Deans of Computer Engineering, a position that highlights her national leadership.

Currently, she is also a member of the UPV Governance ICT Commission and the Security Commission, actively participating in managing digital and security policies at the university.

Elena de la Poza Plaza, Vice-rector for Employment, Lifelong Learning, and Languages

(Before: Vice-rectorate for Employment and Lifelong Learning)

Born in València in 1980, Elena de la Poza Plaza has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Social Sciences at UPV since 2018 and was accredited as a Full Professor in 2024. With a strong academic and research focus, she is an affiliated researcher at the Economic Engineering Center and holds three research assessment periods (sexenios) and three recognised teaching quinquenios.

She is the Academic Director of the Master's in Real Estate Science, a program accredited by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and offered at UPV since 2001. Her academic contributions include more than 50 publications in indexed scientific journals, solidifying her reputation in the field.

Elena de la Poza has also developed an international career, conducting teaching and research stays at prestigious universities worldwide, including the University of North Carolina, University of Tennessee, Università di Padova, Universidad de Panamá, and Politecnico di Milano.

Santiago Guillem Picó, Vice-rector for Coexistence and Well-being

(Before: Vice-rectorate for Social Dialogue, Prevention, Work-Life Balance, and Sports)

Born in Alcoy in 1960, Santiago Guillem Picó is a Full Professor at the School of Agricultural Engineering and Environment in the Department of Cartographic Engineering, Geodesy and Photogrammetry at UPV. He has accumulated over 25 years of teaching and professional experience as a Doctor in Agricultural Engineering, with one research assessment period (sexenio) and one for knowledge transfer.

From 1993 to 2010, he was Director of the University School of Agricultural Engineering, which later became the School of Enology and Rural Environment at UPV. He has also held significant positions throughout his career, including Secretary of the College of Agricultural Engineers (1997-1999) and Member of the Governing Council of the Valencian Cartographic Institute (2001-2011).

Carlos Ripoll Soler, Delegate Director for Rector’s Office

Born in Elche in 1974, Carlos Ripoll Soler holds a PhD in Business Administration and Management and a Master’s in Business, Product, and Service Management. He is an industrial organisation engineer at UPV. Since 2021, he has served as Chief of the Rector’s Office, contributing to the management of the university.

Previously, he was Director of the Institutional Projects and University Experience Area (2017-2021), during which he coordinated the deployment of the Generación Espontánea Program and designed the Human Resources Strategy for Research (HRS4R). Between 2009 and 2017, he directed the VLC/CAMPUS Area, managing the Campus of International Excellence programme.

His experience also includes his participation as lead Researcher in several European projects related to higher education management within the Lifelong Learning Programme and the EU's Sixth Framework Programme.

Josep Antoni Claver Campillo, Secretary General

Born in Sueca in 1972, Josep Antoni Claver Campillo holds a Law degree from the University of Valencia and a PhD from UPV. Since 1992, he has worked as a public servant for the Valencian Government, joining UPV in 1999.

Before being appointed Secretary General in May 2018, he served as Director of the Student Services Department, making significant contributions to the administrative and academic management of the university.

Jesús Marí Farinós, General Manager

Born in València in 1974, Jesús Marí Farinós holds a PhD in Commercial Law from the European University of Madrid and was awarded the Extraordinary Prize for a Law Degree from the University of Valencia (1999). Since 2021, he has been the General Manager of UPV, playing a crucial role in the university's administrative and financial management.

With extensive experience in university management, he served as Secretary General of the UPV Social Council from 2015 to 2021. Additionally, he has held important positions within the Valencian regional government, including Director General of Scientific Policy, Director General of University and Higher Education, and Undersecretary of Education, Training, and Employment, among others.

Jesús Marí also holds a dual degree from the Instituto de Empresa (IE Business School) and has published over 40 legal articles. Furthermore, he is the National Coordinator of the journal Actualidad Civil, published by Wolters Kluwer Spain.

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