Inauguration

Without dressing up in an academic gown and without a mask, as in his first inauguration in June 2021. José E. Capilla has been invested once again as Rector of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) for the second time in his life. But, precisely, he wanted to emphasise that it was an act of 'firsts'.

Because these were the first elections held under the new Statutes of the UPV, the UPV was also the first Spanish university with new statutes in force in accordance with the Organic Law of the University System (LOSU). It is the first time a Rector has been elected for a six-year term. It is the first time Rector elections have been held simultaneously with other electoral processes for management positions and on a massive scale. And it is the first time telematic voting has been used in a Rector's election with a single candidate.

He took the opportunity to congratulate the university community 'for the normality with which all the electoral processes have been carried out, the great participation and the very broad support with which I have renewed my position as Rector,' said José E. Capilla.

If his first term in office was marked by the end of the pandemic, this one will be no easier. The effects of the DANA on 29 October forced the postponement of elections on 11 December. After his resignation, a new call for candidates and a single candidate, José E. Capilla, was elected in the elections held on 12 February. The inauguration was scheduled for 5 March, but a new meteorological emergency forced it to be postponed until 7 April.

Remembering the victims of the storm

The first part of his speech was thus dedicated to remembering the victims of the 'terrible catastrophe that we Valencians suffered at the end of last October' and to express once again my solidarity and that of the entire university community with all those affected. This catastrophe has reminded us, and I emphasise this, of our enormous vulnerability to extreme natural events such as the one we experienced. Also, the short memory of society, as events like this have happened and, unfortunately, will indeed happen again. However, we do not know when,' Capilla said. He also thanked the UPV for its speed and generosity in its mobilisation.

After reviewing the actions taken by the Universitat Politècnica de València to deal with the effects of the DANA and support the reconstruction, the eleventh Rector of the UPV, in a spirit of gratitude, thanked 'the entire university community for having renewed their trust after nearly four years of intense and exciting work'. Work that has positioned UPV as the best Spanish technological university.

Demands

Faced with the challenges of the future, critical of the LOSU, Capilla has stated that 'the lack of an adequate and flexible regulatory framework is the biggest problem, as it hinders the attraction and retention of international talent, a better relationship with industry, the raising of private funds, and an agile and effective transformation of procedures and structures'.

He thanked the Valencian Regional Government for its efforts to finalise the multi-year funding programme, the VALER programme, and the approval of the Social Councils Law and called for 'evaluation and monitoring mechanisms that allow us to optimise resources and ensure that every euro invested in the university has a tangible impact on social and economic progress'.

At the level of the Spanish university system, the Rector has requested that the six-year transfer period be relaunched, that regulations should not be more than necessary and that the rectorates should be allowed to participate in the debate on the Statutes of Academic Staff, and has called for university funding to reach 1% of GDP with a contribution from the Central Administration.

Attendance by the Mayor and the President of the Generalitat

The Mayor of Valencia, María José Català, pointed out that the Universitat Politècnica de València ‘is a source of pride for our people and, especially, for this city, because on this campus flows the best legacy we can offer our society, which is its future’. The Mayor also reaffirmed the firm commitment to collaboration with the UPV.

This collaboration was also reiterated by the President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón Guixot, who closed the event. An act that he considers "symbolises the beginning of a stage that combines continuity with renewal. What for? To maintain and renew the commitment to academic excellence, innovation and technological development that has always characterised this institution, and increasingly so". The President thanked the university community for its actions in the wake of the disaster. He also stressed that ‘the UPV has been a key pillar in the development of our region’.

Inauguration of the Management Board

The UPV Management Board, which combines experience, renewal and parity, was also inaugurated at the event. José E. Capilla has created two new Vice-Rectorates to face the challenges of this new stage with determination. Of the twelve Vice-Rectorates, two more than in the previous term of office, nine are headed by professors, reflecting a solid academic background. The team, which has been joined by three new members, includes five women and seven men, highlighting the commitment to diversity in university management.

At this link, you can watch the full inauguration of the Rector and the Board of Directors and the inauguration of the Heads of Department, UPV-specific University Research Institutes and Research Structures.

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