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In the center, Dr. Màrius Rubiralta and Maria Terrades, current director, together with colleagues from the Barcelona Science Park
 15.07.2025

Tribute to Màrius Rubiralta, former director of the Barcelona Science Park

On July 11th, the University of Barcelona (UB) held an academic recognition ceremony in honour of Dr. Màrius Rubiralta, former director of the Barcelona Science Park (PCB). The event brought together renowned figures and professionals from the academic and institutional spheres who have shared the journey throughout his extensive and fruitful professional career.

The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to a key figure in the development of research and innovation in our country. The Barcelona Science Park joins in this recognition, highlighting his pivotal role as a driving force behind the concept of science parks in Spain—a vision that has helped establish the PCB as a European benchmark in biomedical research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.

Dr. Màrius Rubiralta is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Barcelona (UB), where he has developed much of his academic and scientific career. He served as Rector of the University of Barcelona (2005–2008) and later held prominent positions at the Ministry of Education, including Secretary General for Universities. In addition to his dedication to teaching and research, he has been a key figure in shaping innovation, knowledge transfer, and higher education policies. His leadership has been recognized in both institutional and scientific spheres, and his legacy lives on in numerous initiatives that continue to generate impact.

During the ceremony, numerous speeches were delivered by individuals who have worked or collaborated with him at various stages of his career. All of them consistently highlighted shared qualities: clarity of thought, strategic vision, leadership, work ethic and perseverance, as well as excellence in both results and personal interactions. Complicity, optimism, and pragmatism were also among the values that strongly resonated throughout this tribute.

The Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, spoke during the ceremony to acknowledge the commendable contributions of Dr. Rubiralta. He highlighted among the former rector’s main achievements “the drive and determination” to shape the international campuses of excellence, which enabled universities “to find their uniqueness and forge alliances,” while also contributing to “the promotion of science parks within Spanish universities and the development of regional innovation structures.”

From the Barcelona Science Park, we wholeheartedly join in these words and proudly express our gratitude to the one who planted the seed of the project we continue to drive forward today.