Start of the 2026-2027 academic year

A total of 13,000 people are on the waiting list to study an undergraduate degree at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). This is one of the figures highlighted by the Rector of the Universitat Politècnica de València, José E. Capilla, in his speech at the Solemn Opening Ceremony of the 2026–2027 academic year. Capilla noted that "undergraduate enrolment has grown by more than 33% in ten years. And the enrolment figures for master's programmes are also excellent, with an estimated increase of 15 per cent compared with the previous academic year, and a cumulative increase of 35%". This academic year, the number of undergraduate students who have enrolled stands at 28,065, pending the two remaining rounds of admissions from the waiting list. As for master's students, the figure is 7,453, pending the completion of phase 3, which ends on 15 September.

The start of the term "at the first campus of a Spanish university located in China", the "Beihang Valencia Polytechnic Institute" in Hangzhou, meant that, for the first time, the Rector included Mandarin Chinese in his speech.

In light of the natural disasters that occurred this summer, Capilla emphasised in his speech "the importance of scientific knowledge, prevention, planning and international cooperation. "The UPV will continue to work towards a better understanding of risks, anticipating their consequences, and developing solutions that protect people, infrastructure and the region." He also highlighted the importance of the University's role in the face of the Artificial Intelligence revolution, which requires "strengthening the quality of education and those genuinely human capabilities", he noted. You can watch the full video of the event, held in the Paraninfo, via this link.

All-time high in R&D&I

Earlier, General Secretary Josep Antoni Claver, in his report on the past academic year, highlighted the UPV's impact in various fields. He noted that last year the UPV obtained "a new all-time high in revenue from R&D&I activities, which exceeded 120 million euros, representing an increase of 11 million euros compared with the previous financial year".

Then came the time to recognise hard work and research, as well as for photos and family celebrations. Nineteen new PhD graduates were conferred their degrees. Thirty-six doctoral theses were awarded prizes, 40 six-year research periods were recognised, and 86 people were appointed to chairs.

"It's everyone's business"

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Professor Manuel Esteve Domingo of the Communications Department, who has retired from teaching. Entitled 'Cybersecurity and Cyberdefence: shared challenges in the face of threats in cyberspace', Esteve sought to 'raise awareness that cybersecurity and cyberdefence are citizens' business, because the threats are shared between civilian and military systems. Cyber-attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in civilian systems to launch attacks, for example, against critical infrastructure." 90% of cyber-attacks are based on emails containing an attachment with malicious content; therefore, "we must be particularly careful, in addition to the technological monitoring and alert measures that various organisations must implement".

The audience responded with applause when Esteve reminded them "of the people currently suffering a hybrid war attack in Ceuta, because I like to bring the university closer to society and society closer to the university".

In his speech, José Luis Díez Climent, Second Vice-President and Minister for the Presidency of the Generalitat, said he was "overwhelmed by so much talent" gathered in the Paraninfo and highlighted the importance of the UPV as "a driving force in consolidating the region as one of the most attractive places in the world for investment and wealth creation".

Rector José E. Capilla closed the ceremony with his speech, expressing his thanks in four languages. As the centenary anthem 'Gaudemaus Igitur' played, the academic procession left the Paraninfo to begin, with enthusiasm, the new academic year.