On Friday, 27 February 2026, Javier Oliver, Director of AVAP, attended on behalf of the organisation the academic ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of the founding of Universitat Jaume I (UJI), held at the Paranimf Auditorium on the Riu Sec campus.
The event highlighted the university as a space for knowledge, progress and public service, combining recognition of the university community with a clear outlook towards the future.
An academic ceremony recognising excellence
The ceremony included the presentation of the extraordinary awards for the completion of undergraduate and master’s degrees, as well as the Social Council awards in several categories recognising the university’s work and impact in key areas:
- Award for University Teaching Excellence
- Award for Research
- Award for Student Entrepreneurial Initiative
In addition, awards were presented to the top academic records in undergraduate and master’s programmes for the 2024–2025 academic year, reinforcing the value of academic effort and student achievement.
The UJI medal awarded to Rosa Montero and Margarita del Val
One of the central moments of the ceremony was the presentation of the Universitat Jaume I Medal, the institution’s highest distinction, to:
- Rosa Montero Gayo, journalist and writer, in recognition of her cultural contribution and an outstanding career in both journalism and literary creation.
- Margarita del Val Latorre, researcher, honoured for a career devoted to excellence in biomedical research, with a strong focus on virology and immunology.
Both speakers underlined the importance of knowledge generation as a driver of social transformation and as a foundation for addressing today’s challenges through culture, science and critical thinking.
An institutional gathering chaired by Rector Eva Alcón
The ceremony was chaired by UJI Rector Eva Alcón, accompanied by institutional and academic representatives, including:
- Francisco García Pascual, Secretary General for Universities
- Esther Gómez Martín, Regional Secretary for Universities
- Begoña Carrasco, Mayor of Castelló
- Rectors from several universities, as well as representatives of the Social Council and UJI’s senior management team
In her address, the Rector emphasised the complementary value of words and research as two ways of understanding and transforming the world, and highlighted the role of the public university as a common good and a space of opportunity.
AVAP’s commitment to university quality
AVAP’s presence at this event aligns with the organisation’s commitment to quality assurance and to strengthening the university system, supporting institutions through evaluation processes and continuous improvement.
From AVAP, we extend our congratulations to Universitat Jaume I on these 35 years of achievement, as well as to everyone recognised during a ceremony that reinforces the university’s role as a key driver of social, scientific and cultural progress.
Photo credits: uji.es
