Rectoral Elections and University Community Participation
One of the first topics discussed was the recent electoral process at UPV. The Rector highlighted the efforts made to mobilize all sectors of the university community and encourage participation. In the context of a single-candidate election, the participation of the different university groups was significantly high, demonstrating strong support for the administration’s performance during the previous term.
Student Growth and Internationalization
During the interview, the notable 25% increase in student enrollment during this term was emphasized. The Rector highlighted the work carried out to promote scientific and technological vocations, a task that requires planning and sustained efforts over time. In this regard, he called on the media to collaborate in promoting these critical fields for the country’s future.
Furthermore, he emphasized UPV’s growing internationalization, with a strong presence of foreign students. In doctoral programs, one in two students comes from abroad, while in master’s and undergraduate programs, the ratio is one in five. The increase in international students in master’s programs is the result of years of work and the university’s rising prestige on the global stage.
Why International Students Choose UPV
When asked about the reasons why students from other countries choose UPV, the Rector highlighted several key factors: the university’s positioning in international rankings, its innovative teaching model, transdisciplinary programs, and an academic offering that integrates technology and the arts. Additionally, he pointed out that the Vera campus ecosystem, with its interdisciplinary interaction and the active participation of more than 2,000 students in innovation teams, represents a major attraction.
Industry Ties and Employability Challenges
The Rector also addressed the university’s role in training highly sought-after professionals for the labor market. He emphasized that UPV is a national leader in the development of the new industrial doctorate and has the highest number of active corporate chairs and business-oriented classrooms in Spain. He stressed that engineering disciplines are deeply connected to real-world problems and that UPV graduates enjoy full employment.
The Challenge of Artificial Intelligence in Education
Another key topic was the impact of artificial intelligence on education. The Rector stressed the need for students to learn how to use these tools as part of their training. In this context, he introduced PoliGPT, the AI developed by UPV, which is currently used for tasks such as maintaining micro-webs and will, in the future, assist students in their learning. Additionally, he assured that the university has mechanisms like Turnitin to ensure the proper use of these technologies in academia.
Collaboration with China and the DeepSeek Initiative
The Rector discussed UPV’s collaboration with Chinese institutions, highlighting the recent memorandum of understanding signed with Beijing Jiaotong University and the visit of the Chinese ambassador to the university. He explained that China is not only an industrial powerhouse but also an innovation leader, making collaboration essential. In this regard, UPV seeks to promote student mobility, joint degrees, and collaborative research with top-tier Chinese institutions.
UPV’s Presence in Europe and Global Expansion
In the European sphere, the Rector highlighted UPV’s success in research programs such as Horizon 2020 and its participation in the ENHANCE alliance, which works on creating joint degrees and faculty exchange programs. Regarding the possibility of establishing a physical headquarters in a European capital, he indicated that it is not an immediate priority, although options in other continents, particularly in the region where DeepSeek is being developed, are being explored.
Strategic Projects: UPV Tower and Expansion in Alcoy and Gandía
The Rector also spoke about the future UPV Tower, a building with a strong social and sustainability focus, aimed at addressing student housing needs while serving as a model for zero-carbon construction. Additionally, he mentioned plans for the scientific park in Alcoy and the implementation of Marine Sciences in Gandía, where collaborations are underway with the Spanish Institute of Oceanography and the local government.
Commitment to Research and Land Management
Finally, the Rector highlighted UPV’s role in applied research, such as studies on the DANA phenomenon and flood risk management. He stressed the importance of properly planning land use and developing infrastructure that allows for safe coexistence with these natural events.
In summary, the interview on À Punt provided a broad overview of UPV’s achievements and challenges, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, internationalization, and service to society.