New honorary doctors

The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) has conferred the title of Doctor Honoris Causa on former Minister for Science and Innovation Cristina Garmendia and engineer Francisco Chinesta. (Video)

During her speech, Cristina Garmendia recalled a previous visit to the UPV in 2008, when she was a minister, the year of birth of those who will be joining the university next academic year. Garmendia, who held the position of Minister for Science and Innovation from 2008 to 2011, reflected on her political experience, stating that "we must change the narrative of science; I have always defended science for science's sake, whether it has practical applications or not. Perhaps the narrative should be that science is the best instrument of political power". Garmendia played a leading role in implementing the Science Act, approved in 2011, which laid the foundations for the modern scientific system in Spain. She also strengthened the link between research, innovation and society. (Video interview with Cristina Garmendia).

Francisco Chinesta, an engineer from the UPV, where he also taught, is currently a professor at the University of Paris. He has revolutionised computational engineering by developing real-time simulation methods that bridge the gap between science and industry. His work has enabled access to advanced simulation tools, accelerating innovation and its direct transfer to society.

In his speech, he highlighted the transformation of engineering in the age of data and artificial intelligence, advocating "a hybrid approach that combines traditional models with new digital capabilities to tackle large-scale complex systems". (Video interview with Francisco Chinesta)

Professor and Vice-Rector for Research at the UPV, Belén Picó, was responsible for delivering the laudatio for Cristina Garmendia. Professors Juan Antonio García Manrique and Francisco Javier Fuenmayor Fernández acted as sponsors for Francisco Chinesta, whose laudatio was delivered by Juan Antonio García Manrique.

Commitment to peace

In his speech, the Rector of the Universitat Politècnica de València, José Capilla, referred to the "complex geopolitical environment we face and, in particular, the conflict that has been ongoing in the Middle East for decades and which has recently escalated in a manner that poses a deep threat to the world" He recalled a quote by Albert Einstein who said that "peace cannot be maintained by force; it can only be achieved through understanding" and added that "at the UPV, we are committed to promoting a culture of peace and advocate for the negotiated resolution of conflicts, seeking common ground and building bridges".

For his part, the Director-General for Universities at the Regional Ministry of Education, Universities and Employment, José Antonio Pérez, noted that "at the Valencian Regional Government, we are fully aware that there can be no social progress without science, nor solid science without strong universities", and the Regional Government is working along these lines.

At the ceremony, (video of the ceremony) just over 30 new PhD graduates from the Universitat Politècnica de València were also awarded their degrees.

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