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New call—running until 15 July—of this programme for the students, recent graduates and academic staff at the UPC who have founded a start-up or spin-off. With the support of Fractus and the Fractus-UPC Deep Tech Hub.

168 UPC researchers feature in the CSIC women scientists ranking

The latest edition of the ranking of Spanish and foreign female researchers working in Spain, compiled by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), includes 168 UPC professors. The ranking classifies female scientists with an h-index of 18 or higher on Google Scholar.

The UPC’s CD6 completes construction of a pioneering optical system for the world’s largest telescope

The UPC’s Centre for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development (CD6) in Terrassa, alongside IDOM Engineering, has finalised the design and construction of the optical system that will calibrate the Extremely Large Telescope’s (ELT) main mirror. With a 39-metre diameter, this primary mirror is currently the largest in existence. The ELT will be the world’s largest ground-based optical and near-infrared telescope. It is currently under construction at an altitude of over 3,000 metres on Cerro Armazones in Chile’s Atacama Desert.

BSC inaugurates its third quantum computer, EuroQCS-Spain, in the renovated Torre Girona chapel

Co-funded by the European Commission and the Government of Spain, this new infrastructure is integrated into MareNostrum 5, making it one of the few supercomputers in the world that combines classical computing and analogue and digital quantum computing in a single platform and software.

The UPC launches the Agri-food Data Space, a 240-company ecosystem paving the way for sector digitalisation

On 21 April, the UPC presented the Agri-food Data Space, a secure and interoperable data environment for sharing information to facilitate innovation and digitalisation in the agri-food sector. This data space, which already includes cooperatives, companies, technology centres and government bodies from across Spain, will help transform agricultural management, reduce costs, anticipate risks and create new opportunities.

Everything you need to know about doctoral degrees

Are you passionate about research and innovation? Are you thinking of pursuing a research career? Come and discover all the opportunities offered by the UPC’s 46 doctoral degrees programmes at the Doctoral School’s Open Day on 14 May.

Unite! Pioneer Biodegradable Smart Patches for Precision Drug Delivery

Develop flexible and biodegradable devices for transdermal drug administration, that offer precise and controlled dosing and high comfort and compatibility with a wide range of drugs. This is the goal of a project coordinated by researcher Sílvia Pérez, from the Barcelona Center for Research in Multiscale Science and Engineering (CCEM), which has been funded by the Unite! Seed Fund 2025 program.

UPC and Hypatia Mars scientists take to the skies to research the effects of zero gravity on health and the brain

On 8 and 9 May, the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) is conducting a new series of parabolic flights at Sabadell Airport. These microgravity experiments involve six female scientists: nutritionist Abril Gorgori and five members of the Hypatia Mars team. They will supervise on-board experiments to analyse the human body’s reaction to weightlessness.

The UPC organises advanced, free training in AI for European university students

Starting in May, the UPC will offer ten free, online courses in AI for university students across Europe, as part of the University’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy, LEIA UPC. These advanced training programmes are organised in collaboration with the BSC through the European project BSC AI Factory and aim to equip students with the technological, ethical and legal skills required to master AI.

British minister Angela Eagle visits the Baix Llobregat Campus to learn about the UPC’s potential in agri-food technologies

UK Minister of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Angela Eagle visited several facilities on the UPC’s Baix Llobregat Campus in Castelldefels on 22 April. The aim of the visit was to gain first-hand insight into the University’s potential in agri-food technologies, under the umbrella of the Agri-Food Technology Specific Research Centre, and to explore new opportunities for international cooperation.

The UPC unveils a leading scientific infrastructure in Spain for testing 6G technologies in real-world conditions

On 8 April, the UPC unveiled 6GLabNet, an autonomous experimental network designed to test and validate next-generation mobile communications technologies and services in real environments. Serving research, teaching, public administration and industry, the infrastructure is a cutting-edge scientific facility in Europe and a key asset for accelerating innovation in 6G technology with artificial intelligence.

LEIA UPC launched to drive the University’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy

On 22 April, the UPC presented LEIA UPC, its flagship artificial intelligence building located on the North Diagonal Campus in Barcelona. The launch of this innovation hub, which brings together UPC entities with extensive expertise in AI, is part of the eponymous programme underpinning the University’s AI strategy, which was also launched at the same event. The initiative aims to consolidate the UPC’s position as an international leader in this field by boosting research, knowledge transfer and the integration of AI into teaching and management.

Explore the AI portal

Explore the content, tools and resources provided by the UPC to its community to harness the potential of artificial intelligence.

Scientists create living tissues capable of changing shape in a programmed manner

Researchers at the UPC, the Institute for Bioengineering for Catalonia (IBEC), and the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE) have developed a new strategy for ‘programming’ the shape of biological tissues in vitro. The study, published in the journal Science, opens the door to new applications in tissue engineering, biohybrid robotics and the design of smart living materials.

UPC master's degrees: Engineering, Architecture, Science and Technology

A new method enables more accurate decoding of how brain circuits work

Researcher David Garcia Soriano, a Serra Húnter professor at the UPC, together with other international scientists, has introduced an innovative method that sheds new light on how brain circuits work. Published in Nature Communications, the study reveals key insights into neuronal connectivity.

35th worldwide in Architecture and Spain’s leader in innovation according to the 2026 Scimago World Institutions Rankings

The UPC is ranked among the world’s top 50 in Architecture and the top 100 in five additional categories in the 2026 Scimago World Institutions Rankings (SIR). In the overall ranking, it is placed 240th worldwide and is the leading Spanish university in five categories.

A study commissioned by the Government of Catalonia to the UPC confirms that Antoni Gaudí designed the Xalet del Catllaràs

A study commissioned by the Department of Culture to Galdric Santana, a professor at the Barcelona School of Architecture and director of the UPC’s Gaudí Chair, confirms that the project for the Xalet del Catllaràs in La Pobla de Lillet was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí.

Two new bachelor’s degrees added to the UPC’s offering for 2026–2027

The UPC is expanding its academic offering for the 2026–2027 academic year with two new bachelor’s degrees: the bachelor’s degree in Agri-Food Technologies and Business Management, a new interuniversity degree coordinated by the UPC, in collaboration with the UB, which blend scientific and technological training with strategic business management; and a new double degree combining Environmental Engineering with Marine Sciences and Technologies.

The UPC showcases its technological potential at MWC Barcelona, 4YFN and Talent Arena

Once again, the UPC has taken part in MWC Barcelona and Four Years From Now (4YFN), running from 2 to 5 March at Fira de Barcelona in Gran Via venue. For the first time, it also has been present at Talent Arena, held from 2 to 3 March at the Montjuïch. All three events are leading international platforms for connectivity, entrepreneurship and digital talent.

The UPC’s studies and technological ecosystem will be on display for the first time at Talent Arena

From 2 to 4 March, the University will take part in the second edition of Talent Arena, a major European meeting point for digital talent and the tech industry. The event complements Mobile World Capital Barcelona and 4YFN, both of which the University also attends. The aim is to highlight the talent developed at the UPC and present its bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and continuing education degrees. Admission to Talent Arena is free with prior registration.

The ETSAV’s model workshop coordinates the production of an interactive model of Barcelona for the World Capital of Architecture

The Barcelona Plain 2026–2035 model is an initiative led by the Barcelona city council and coordinated by the model workshop of the UPC’s Vallès School of Architecture (ETSAV), marking the start of the celebration of Barcelona as World Capital of Architecture. Printed entirely in 3D, the model becomes an interactive platform to analyse and explain Barcelona’s past, present and future. It will open to the public on 13 March at the former headquarters of the Gustavo Gili publishing house in Barcelona.

Statement regarding the gale warning for 12 February

The UPC has issued the following statement regarding the activation of the Special Emergency Plan for Wind Risk in Catalonia (VENTCAT) across Catalonia.

UPC technology and capabilities at the ISE audiovisual trade fair

The UPC will participate for the first time in the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the world-renowned tech show for the audiovisual industry. The 2026 edition will be held in the Gran Via venue of the Fira de Barcelona from 3 to 6 February.

Statement regarding the suspension of the Rodalies railway network service

Given the suspension of the Rodalies railway network service that is affecting travel in Catalonia, the UPC has issued the following statement.

University spin-off Virmedex strengthens its international presence

Founded by the UPC and the UB three years ago, Virmedex Virtual Experiences SL specialises in training healthcare professionals through simulators based on video games, artificial intelligence and virtual reality. The company has consolidated its international position in Europe, Latin America and the United States, and is now preparing for a second funding round. It received the 15th UPC Research Valorisation Award, organised by the Board of Trustees with the support of Fractus and the Fractus UPC Deep-Tech Hub, among other accolades.

Greening school playgrounds improves quality of life in cities and helps deal with climate change

After three years of work, a European project led by a team of researchers at the UOC and the UPC calls for cities to be built based on the urban planning principle of looking after shared, natural and climate-adapted spaces, particularly in school environments.

DigiPatICS consolidates the use of AI to improve cancer diagnosis and share results

The eight hospitals of the Catalan Institute of Health have optimised breast cancer diagnosis thanks to artificial intelligence algorithms developed by the UPC as part of the DigiPatICS project. These algorithms automate the analysis of tissue samples, enabling earlier and more accurate detection of the disease. Results and diagnoses are shared in real time across the eight centres, creating Europe’s largest digital pathology network. The project received the 15th UPC Research Valorisation Award on 19 November.

Researchers design a catalyst to produce industrial chemicals from greenhouse gases

A UPC team has developed a ceramic, biocompatible catalyst that captures greenhouse gases and converts them into useful chemicals in a more sustainable and cost-effective way than current technologies. So far, it has successfully passed the pilot phase through joint projects with companies from several sectors. The technology has won the 15th UPC Research Valorisation Award, organised by the Board of Trustees with the support of Fractus and the Fractus UPC Deep Tech Hub, as the best market-ready invention.

13 UPC researchers distinguished in the 2025 Academia Excellence programme

UPC research took centre stage in the latest call for the Government of Catalonia’s Academia Excellence programme (formerly ICREA Academia), securing 13 of the 50 grants awarded. The UPC thus becomes the institution with the most selected faculty members, who will be able to intensify their research for five years. Also, Claudio Cazorla Silva, a researcher at the Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering (CCEM), has been named a new ICREA Research Professor.