Francesc Torres took office as rector of the UPC
Rector Daniel Crespo handed over the University’s medal and staff to Francesc Torres as a symbol of transition.
Professor Francesc Torres took office as rector of the UPC on 3 June in an event chaired by the minister of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia, Núria Montserrat.
Jun 06, 2025
The inauguration of Francesc Torres as rector of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) was held in the lecture hall of the Barcelona School of Architecture (ETSAB). Outgoing rector Daniel Crespo was also in attendance and formally handed over the symbols of office—the University’s medal and staff—to his successor. The chair of the UPC’s Board of Trustees, Montserrat Guàrdia, also took part in the ceremony.
Francesc Torres started by expressing his gratitude to the UPC community for their participation and support in the recent elections. He also thanked Daniel Crespo and his team for their work over the past four years.
Highlighting the collective nature of public universities, Torres stated: “Your commitment is the foundation of the project we are embarking on today. We take on this challenge with a strong sense of public service and with the conviction that now is the time to work for a strong, ambitious and innovative UPC that remains true to its technological DNA.” He added: “We will do so through dialogue, shared responsibility and a federal perspective that values and strengthens our schools, departments, institutes and campuses.”
Torres also underlined “the UPC’s essential role in the reindustrialisation of the country. We propose a return to our founding essence: to generate knowledge, to train talent and to transform society through technological innovation—with our graduates playing a key role.”
“Today, I take office as rector of the UPC. A new chapter begins—one I invite you to walk with me, with enthusiasm and a critical spirit, as we build the university that we deserve.”
Torres concluded his address by calling on the government to provide “fair and sufficient funding, so we can work together to build a better society.” He also expressed concern over “the growing disconnect between pre-university education and undergraduate studies—particularly the decline in science and technology education in secondary schools, a challenge that must be addressed with the government’s firm commitment.” He closed: “Today I invite you to walk with me, with enthusiasm and a critical spirit, as we build the university that we deserve.”
In her speech, minister Núria Montserrat warmly welcomed the new rector to what she described as a new chapter full of challenges and opportunities. She highlighted Torres’ knowledge, ambition and sensitivity in addressing the University’s future.
The minister also acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the work carried out by rector Daniel Crespo over the past few years, praising his strong commitment to the common good and his solid leadership during a particularly complex period. She encouraged Torres to “confront key challenges such as the climate emergency, technological and industrial transformation, international competition and social inequality.”
Montserrat also recalled the role of public universities as drivers of social mobility, key to building a fairer society. She urged the UPC to become a benchmark in future-facing areas such as digital governance, technological development, artificial intelligence and respect for privacy.
In his farewell speech, Crespo remarked: “Today marks the end of an intense and inspiring term as rector. Over the past four years, we’ve moved forward together with rigour, commitment and a clear vision: to serve our community and the country through our university. Thank you for your dedication and efforts.” Reflecting on his time in office, he expressed satisfaction at “having helped strengthen the UPC” and added: “More than any results, what I take with me is the trust we’ve built, the spirit of collaboration and the conviction that the public university is a powerful force for transformation and progress. To the students, the academic staff, the administrative staff and everyone who makes the UPC possible: thank you for making it your own,” he added.
He also wished Francesc Torres every success in this new chapter.
In her remarks, Montserrat Guàrdia, chair of the UPC’s Board of Trustees, praised the University’s mission as “a unique and essential service for the country” and thanked Daniel Crespo for his leadership over the past few years. She also encouraged Francesc Torres to continue pursuing excellence and offered the full support of the Board in this endeavour.
Francesc Torres (Sant Joan de Labritja, Ibiza) was elected rector of the UPC in the elections held from 13 to 16 May. He previously served as rector from December 2017 to June 2021.
The ceremony was broadcast live on YouTube and the UPC’s ZonaVídeo channel, and concluded with a performance of Gaudeamus igitur by the Architecture Choir.
