Since 2022, Saladié has promoted several initiatives in both disciplines, with the goal of responding to the changing challenges of the tourism sector and the territorial challenges linked to climate change.

Challenges and news in the leadership of the Faculty of Tourism and Geography

What goals does Òscar Saladié’s new term set?

The main priority is updating the educational offer to better fit the needs of the sector and current environmental demands, especially for the Tourism degree and for Geography students. There is also a desire to increase student participation in university decision-making bodies and to energize academic and social life at the center.

How is internal center management intended to be improved?

Saladié proposes solving the shortcomings of technical and administrative staff, as well as strengthening collaboration with the Departments of Economics, Geography, and Business Management to open more full-time faculty positions, especially in basic subjects.

Highlights of the first term at the Faculty

What advances has Òscar Saladié promoted so far?

Among the most notable milestones is the accreditation of the two degrees and the introduction of the Dual Mention in Tourism and Hospitality Management, a pioneering modality in Catalonia and Spain. In Geography, project-based courses have been consolidated and the International Centre for Lifelong Learning in Tourism (ICLEAT) has been created.

How has the Faculty positioned itself internationally?

The FTG has organized international programs such as the Blended Intensive Programme with universities from Breda and the Côte d'Azur, and it hosts the University Research Institute on Sustainability, Climate Change, and Energy Transition (IU-RESCAT).

The team and the trajectory of Òscar Saladié

Who is part of the dean’s team for this period?

The new team is led by Vice Dean Jesús Angla and includes degree and master’s coordinators such as Coia Domingo, Joan Alberich, Salvador Anton, Benito Zaragozí, and Antoni Domènech, who bring experience in management and research.

What experience does Òscar Saladié bring to the URV and the community?

Graduated and PhD in Geography, Saladié is an associate professor and researcher in groups such as GRATET and IU-RESCAT. He has held positions such as degree coordinator, department secretary, and chair director. Additionally, he stands out for his career as a volunteer firefighter since 1993, currently serving as deputy chief at the Sant Jaume dels Domenys station.

Òscar Saladié’s renewal reflects a clear commitment to modernize the Faculty of Tourism and Geography, balancing academic innovation with community involvement and first-rate research. This second term is an opportunity to consolidate progress and face new challenges in a sector undergoing full transformation.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

A call that not only injects money, but also strengthens bonds between academic teams and researchers from around the world, putting Tarragona on the European map of research and university education.

The Aurora call: what is at stake for URV?

How are the projects distributed and what does it mean for local researchers?

The Aurora Incentive Research and Education Collaboration 2026 call aims to fund joint projects that integrate pure research, training activities, and mobility stays for young researchers. This edition received 45 proposals divided into three categories or «Key Actions»:

• Key Action 1: 19 collaborative projects, with an important novelty: projects that combine research and teaching.
• Key Action 2: 4 thematic schools.
• Key Action 3: 22 research and training stays for early-stage researchers.

URV stands out as the most active university, with 14 proposals in the first two categories, a clear sign of its commitment to collaborative research and international projection.

What resources and budgets are involved in this call?

The call has 240,000 euros available for projects in Key Actions 1 and 2, while the member universities will fund the stays from Key Action 3. This year, applications far exceed the available budget: nearly 433,000 euros for the first two categories and about 80,000 euros for mobility stays. URV has 8,000 euros to fund up to two stays.

This high level of competition demonstrates that the initiative is very attractive and that Tarragona plays a key role in this international framework.

How are the projects decided and what does it imply for the future?

When will the results be announced and how is the evaluation managed?

At the end of August, preliminary results will be shared with institutional coordinators of the Aurora universities to unify scientific and financial criteria. Afterwards, the vice-rectors for research and education will validate the final proposal, which will be made public at the beginning of September.

This rigorous process ensures that the selected projects are the most promising and aligned with the alliance’s objectives.

What is the importance of this call within European cooperation?

The Aurora Incentive Research and Education Collaboration is part of a broader strategy to consolidate cooperation in research and innovation, fostering the creation of consortia with potential to access competitive European calls.

In a context of debate about the budget for the EU’s future Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), this initiative positions Tarragona as a meeting point for a movement advocating a more ambitious Europe in science and education.

The human and local dimension of the meeting at URV

What did hosting this meeting mean for Tarragona?

The meeting was not just a formal event: participants were able to visit Tarragona’s historical heritage, a city that combines history and modernity. This reinforces URV’s image as a hub of internationalization with strong local roots.

How is URV’s involvement in the Aurora alliance perceived?

URV not only organizes the meeting but leads the project presentations, demonstrating a firm commitment to collaborative research and building networks that extend the reach of knowledge generated in the province.

This leadership will place Tarragona at the epicenter of European research, and the funded projects could transform the way teaching and research are understood at URV and beyond.

Calls of this type are key to maintaining URV and Tarragona as centers of innovation, with projects that can access higher European funding and set trends in research and teaching.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

With the involvement of faculty, technical staff, and students, the meeting showcased projects that not only adapt but also reinvent academic practices in the face of emerging technologies.

The event as a driver of educational innovation in Tarragona

What stood out at the meeting for URV teachers and students?

The URV ICE organized the event on July 2 at the Faculty of Economics and Business, where 40 projects were presented in five simultaneous rooms and 20 posters in a new format that generated great interest. This variety of formats allowed everyone to find a space to share and learn.

How is generative artificial intelligence linked to teaching?

The projects presented emphasized the critical and responsible use of generative AI, with applications ranging from gamification to simulation and inclusion. The debate included how these tools can transform active learning and assessment, generating new dynamics in Tarragona classrooms.

The challenges and opportunities of generative AI in university teaching

What challenges does AI pose to teachers in Tarragona?

In Joan Tomàs Pujolà’s conference, the tension between innovating and managing the disruption caused by AI was highlighted. Professors must adapt to an environment where students have access to tools that can radically change teaching and learning processes.

What lines of work is the URV promoting to integrate AI?

Vice-Rector Urbano Lorenzo explained initiatives to incorporate AI critically and with added value into teaching. This involves not only technology but also training teachers and students in ethical and effective use, a key challenge for higher education in Tarragona.

Teaching innovation projects and networks at the URV: a local perspective

How do the Strategic Innovation Networks contribute to educational transformation?

The Methodological Innovations Network gathered student voices through focus groups to understand doubts and training needs regarding AI. This shows the URV’s commitment to fostering active and critical participation from Tarragona students.

What interdisciplinary projects are presented at the URV?

The Interdisciplinarity Network has created a guide for interdisciplinary final projects and a catalog of good practices. This commitment to interdisciplinarity helps prepare students for complex problems, highly present in both local and global contexts.

The audience award for best poster recognized a project on simulation as a methodology to achieve deep learning, a clear example of how local innovation can have a direct impact on educational quality.

The Teaching Innovation Day not only showcases the technological drive at URV but also creates a community that makes Tarragona a territory where higher education faces new challenges with tools and ideas born locally.

The province of Tarragona thus benefits from a university that not only adapts but leads in the responsible and critical use of artificial intelligence in higher education, highlighting local talent and innovation.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Often, acting without thinking seems more like a characteristic of youth, but it also affects older adults, especially when there are risks to cardiovascular health. What if we could change this with changes in diet and activity? We explain it here, with concrete data from our region.

A pioneering trial in Tarragona: what does it tell us about impulsivity?

What is impulsivity and why does it matter to the people of Tarragona?

Impulsivity is the behavior of making quick decisions without reflecting, often driven by emotions. In Tarragona, where the elderly population is increasingly important, understanding and controlling this trait can help prevent complex health problems and improve overall well-being.

How was the PREDIMED-Plus-Cognition study developed in the province?

The study, led by the Universitat Rovira i Virgili together with IRB CatSud and CIBERobn, analyzed 306 older adults with cardiovascular risk. The participants were divided into two groups: one followed an intensive hypocaloric Mediterranean diet program, physical activity, and behavioral support, and the other received general dietary recommendations.

Noticeable changes after three years in Tarragona

What results did the local researchers observe?

Participants who followed the intensive program significantly reduced impulsivity. They improved in making more thoughtful decisions, prioritizing long-term benefits. This is not a minor change: it implies fewer risks and more autonomy in daily life.

Why is this relevant for public health in Tarragona?

This reduction in impulsivity can prevent future chronic diseases, an important challenge for the Tarragona healthcare system. Improving emotional self-regulation and decision-making in older adults directly impacts quality of life and reduces medical costs.

How to implement these healthy habits in Tarragona life?

What role does the Mediterranean diet play in impulsivity?

The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, fish, and olive oil, not only improves heart health but also influences the brain, helping reduce impulsivity. In Tarragona, where this dietary model is part of the culture, reinforcing it with an adapted program can be key.

How to integrate physical activity and behavioral support into the local routine?

Regular physical exercise, combined with professional behavioral support, enhances the effects of the diet. In Tarragona, facilities such as sports centers and health services can offer adapted programs for older adults, helping maintain these changes sustainably.

The combination of these factors was key to obtaining the observed results, showing that it is not just a diet, but a complete lifestyle.

For the people of Tarragona, this research implies that with adequate support and willpower, habits that directly affect mental and physical health, especially in older adults, can be changed. It’s not just a matter of eating well, but thinking better.

A more reflective and healthy future in Tarragona begins with simple but consistent steps in diet and physical activity. This research makes it clear that it is never too late to improve the way we decide and live.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

With this renovation, one of the most emblematic spaces for conferences and congresses debuts a new image and functionality adapted to current needs.

Main renovations to the stalls and stage

What specific improvements have been made to the stalls and seats?

The stalls have been completely transformed with the replacement of flooring and the 354 seats, which now incorporate power outlets to facilitate the use of electronic devices. This change not only improves comfort but also adapts the space to today’s digital needs.

How has the stage space changed with the renovation?

The stage has been expanded and the floor polished to improve its functionality. In addition, old elements related to rehearsals of the URV Orchestra, which is now moving to another building, have been removed, leaving the space cleaner and more adaptable.

Audiovisual modernization and improved lighting

What does the technological renewal of the Aula Magna involve?

The control area has received a complete update with new audiovisual and technical infrastructure. This includes a more advanced streaming system, better audio quality, and a video production system that will facilitate broadcasting and coverage of events.

How has the lighting inside the room changed?

The lighting of both the stalls and the stage has been entirely renovated. The new system allows for the creation of different atmospheres depending on the nature of each event, improving the visual quality and experience of attendees and viewers of the broadcasts.

Improvement of access and common areas

What interventions have been made to the lobby and entrances?

The lobby has been completely renovated, with changes to walls, ceiling, and lighting, the incorporation of screens to follow the events, and replacement of interior and exterior doors. A canopy has also been added and the access courtyard improved with new flooring and better water drainage.

What importance does this improvement have for users and visitors?

The renovation of the accesses makes entering and exiting more comfortable, accessible, and visually attractive. This is especially relevant for participants in congresses and activities, and for the public attending the URV’s most emblematic events.

The new Aula Magna already hosts events such as the International Congress of Feminist Anthropology, showing that the renovation is now a reality serving the university community and the general public.

For the people of Tarragona and students, this renovation represents a strong step towards more modern spaces adapted to current technological and social challenges, maintaining the importance of this place as a meeting point for culture and knowledge in the city.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Amid a social context where feminism faces pressures from antifeminist discourses to new forms of neomachismo, the gathering serves to explore possible responses and strategies. Tarragona becomes the epicenter of an ambitiously global reflection, but with local consequences.

A congress with its own voice and a critical outlook

What makes this congress relevant for the people of Tarragona?

That an event with 630 participants occupies the Catalunya campus is no coincidence. This concentration of experts and activists offers the public the opportunity to see up close how feminist responses are built to issues very present in local society: labor inequalities, sexist violence, and the care crisis are just some examples.

What key topics are analyzed during the congress?

The 39 symposia and more than 500 communications address everything from the manosphere and gentrification to LGTBI+ policies and feminist memories. This range reflects the complexity and transversality of feminism today, which not only questions gender relations but also incorporates dimensions of class, race, origin, and age.

From academia to activism: an essential alliance

Why is the combination of academia and activism key in this context?

Dolors Comas d’Argemir, president of the congress, makes it clear: scientific evidence is the tool that allows activism to be transformed into effective public policies. Without this foundation, feminism loses strength and capacity for real impact. But moreover, the connection between theory and practice is what makes advances sustainable and able to withstand the constant attack of neomachismo.

How is this relationship expressed during the congress?

In addition to theoretical sessions, parallel activities such as book presentations and activist spaces are scheduled, which translate reflections into concrete actions. Thus, the congress is not only an expert debate but a living space where collective construction and resistance take place.

The great contemporary challenges from a feminist perspective

What are the most urgent challenges identified?

The inaugural lecture by Mara Viveros Vigoya highlighted the need to approach feminism from an intersectional perspective and alliances with other social movements. Climate change, the defense of territories, and the fight against discrimination join in to prevent feminism from becoming fragmented and an isolated discourse.

How does the presence of neomachismo and the extreme right affect things?

The organizer Dolors Comas warned that every advance in rights generates new and aggressive resistances. This neomachismo manifests with renewed languages and strategies that seek to roll back feminist achievements, which forces the maintenance of mobilization and the constant renewal of discourse and action.

The local dimension of a debate that is global emphasizes the need for Tarragona and its society to be attentive to how these fronts move, which affect the daily life of many people. And furthermore, they urge us to create a more just future sensitive to diverse forms of oppression.

The gathering in Tarragona is not only a congress, but a call to action and a deep reflection on how contemporary feminisms can transform society.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

With more than 13 degrees represented, the ceremony had moments that moved the audience and highlighted local talent, especially through awards sponsored by companies and entities linked to engineering.

An event that unites students and institutions at the Tarragona Conference Centre

Why is this ceremony relevant to the people of Tarragona?

The fact that the graduation is held for the second consecutive year at the Conference Centre reflects the growth and academic vitality of the URV in Tarragona. It is a moment when the city becomes the epicenter of future professional promises in engineering, with a backdrop that directly impacts the local community and its business fabric.

How did the graduation event unfold?

The event began at 6 p.m. with the solemn entrance of the graduates, accompanied by music and applause from those attending. Rector Josep Pallarès, Social Council President Josep Poblet, and Director Àngel Cid welcomed everyone before starting the diploma presentation, which lasted nearly an hour with recognitions for bachelor’s and master’s students.

The academic talent awards that marked the day

Which awards stood out in this edition?

The recognitions were one of the highlights. The company Essity presented the Essity Award for the best record and female profile, which went to Andrea Toral Jové, a student of the double degree in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Electronic and Automatic Engineering.

T-Systems awarded Javier Vega Cuadros, from the Master’s in Cybersecurity Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, with an award in the ICT field. Lastly, Caixa d’Enginyers recognized David Diestre Rubio and David Castro García as the best academic records from the ETSE bachelor’s and double degree programs.

What importance do these awards have for the students’ careers?

These awards not only honor the effort and ability of the students but also directly connect university training with the companies and institutions in the territory. This creates real bridges for employment insertion and highlights local talent before society and the professional sector.

The speeches, human recognition, and ethical commitment

What did the student representatives contribute?

The students shared reflections on their university experience, thanks, and the importance of the support received. These interventions humanized the ceremony and showed the difficulty and effort behind academic achievements.

What was the most emotional and symbolic moment of the event?

The recognition of Àngels Hernando Casado, retired after many years as a member of the ETSE technical and administrative staff, and the ethical and professional oath taken by the graduates before the final singing of the Gaudeamus Igitur, closed an event full of meaning and commitment, marking the beginning of a new personal and professional stage.

This year’s ceremony was not only an academic celebration but also an event that strengthens the ties between the URV, the students, and the business and social fabric of Tarragona. The future is already here, and these new professionals are ready to face it with talent and commitment.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

The III International Congress of Feminist Anthropology concludes with the hope of a more just and equitable social transformation, with plans to publish the conclusions that will shape the future of applied feminism.

A congress that makes the fight against patriarchy visible in Tarragona

What does this congress contribute to the local society?

The event has shown that the city of Tarragona becomes a key point where experts from different fields (economics, psychology, pedagogy, social work) work together to combat the system that has relegated women to subordination.

How was the participation of the experts organized?

With more than 600 participants, the congress combined symposia, presentations, and workshops that facilitated intense and interdisciplinary dialogue, promoting the connection between theory and social action.

The keys to interdisciplinarity in feminist anthropology

Why is interdisciplinarity relevant in this field?

Because male violence cannot be addressed from a single perspective. Economists, pedagogues, and psychologists provide a global view that enriches the debate and proposes more effective and real solutions.

Which disciplines were most represented and why?

There was notable representation of experts in economics and social work, as these fields are fundamental to understanding structural inequalities and how these affect women in everyday life.

Future perspectives after the congress

What will be the trajectory after this congress?

The organizers plan to publish a report with the conclusions of the symposia, which will become a reference for academics and activists in the practical implementation of feminism in different sectors.

How can this initiative impact the life of the citizens of Tarragona?

This global and local drive has the capacity to transform policies and social practices, improving protection against male violence and promoting a more equal and inclusive society in Tarragona.

This congress highlights the urgent need for profound changes and the willingness of many women and men to move beyond discourse and take concrete action.

The presence of more than 600 experts and their influence in such diverse fields is not just a number: it is the engine that can make the feminist struggle stop being a slogan and become a tangible reality.

Source of the article: Eloi Tost / Gio Gonzales | ACN

Mobility, which also affects teaching and technical staff, confirms URV as a benchmark in internationalization in the province, with a balance between incoming and outgoing participants that ensures the sustainability of its programs.

International mobility at URV: more stays and more opportunities

Why does the record number of stays abroad matter?

The growth to 551 stays abroad means that more students from Tarragona and the surrounding area have access to international educational experiences, an opportunity that goes beyond the curriculum. This increase is fundamental for a city like Tarragona, which seeks to connect with Europe and the globalized world through its university.

Which programs drive this mobility?

Erasmus+ is the dominant program, but URV also works with others such as Aurora, MOU, I-Global, ISEP, and I-Networks, which expand the offer and allow students and staff multiple pathways to undertake stays abroad or host international students and professionals.

URV as an international attraction hub in Tarragona

How does this affect the international students who come to URV?

In the 2024/25 academic year, 510 students from other countries came to URV, a figure that confirms Tarragona as an attractive and growing university destination. This flow helps diversify the campus and enriches the learning environment with global experiences.

What impact does university staff mobility leave?

47 members of the Teaching and Research Staff and 21 of the Technical and Administrative Staff undertook stays abroad, while more international staff visited URV. This exchange strengthens research and global collaboration from Tarragona.

Impact of internationalization on research and curriculum

What does research say about internationalization at URV?

53% of the more than 2,000 publications by URV researchers are in collaboration with international institutions, demonstrating Tarragona’s significant role in global research. Moreover, one third of master's and doctoral students are international, giving an intercultural character to advanced studies.

How is internationalization worked into the curriculum?

The COIL and BIP programs are essential for integrating internationalization into daily education. These initiatives promote collaboration among students from different countries without the need to travel, while maintaining the essence of global learning.

Thus, URV confirms that Tarragona not only exports talent but also acts as a magnet for students and professionals from around the world, reinforcing its position as an international university capital.

The increase in mobility in the 2024/25 academic year is a clear indicator that the province of Tarragona and URV continue to strongly commit to opening up to the world, with a balance that makes this commitment sustainable and that, undoubtedly, has positive repercussions on educational quality and the international projection of the city.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

The project has allowed students and external participants to explore how memory and territory change over time, while constructing new visual narratives that directly dialogue with the reality of the province.

The visual rephotography laboratory: a project with Tarragona roots

What is rephotography and why is it of interest in Tarragona?

Rephotography consists of returning to the exact place where an old photograph was taken to capture change or continuity in the territory. In Tarragona, this practice serves to better understand how visual memory transforms the urban and rural landscape and to question the official narratives of the past.

Participants analyze images from historical, family, and artistic archives to reconstruct a more contemporary and critical view of the local visual heritage.

How has the project been organized at URV?

The Visual Rephotography Laboratory has been developed within the framework of the Cinema and Cultural Heritage course at Rovira i Virgili University, supported by the Cinema and Audiovisual Arts Classroom and the Tarragona Provincial Council.

For months, students and external individuals have developed personal projects combining research, critique, and visual creation, guided by industry professionals such as Ricard Martínez and Vanina Hofman.

Projects that tell Tarragona’s story from the past and present

How do the projects reflect social and territorial changes?

A standout example is the work of Alex Robre, who contrasts an old photograph of a street in his town with a current image, raising questions about social transformation and the concept of progress in the Tarragona province.

This staged visual dialogue raises doubts about how we inhabit the territory and which cultural values are maintained or lost.

What other local perspectives have been explored?

Naroa Pamies has worked with family photographs provided by neighbors, highlighting the more intimate collective memory that often remains outside the official archives of Tarragona.

On the other hand, Ginesta Palau has reflected on the loss of heritage in Garrotxa, through images of disappeared cabins, showing how absences also form part of the cultural landscape.

Impact and continuity of the laboratory in Tarragona

Where can the results of this initiative be seen?

The developed projects are currently exhibited at the CRAI Catalunya campus in Tarragona and have been compiled in a publication documenting the entire creative and research process.

These materials are advised by Photo Km 0 and receive institutional support from the Tarragona Provincial Council, strengthening the connection between academia and territory.

How can this project influence the local visual culture?

Rephotography proposes a powerful tool to critically view the visual culture and archives in Tarragona. This approach not only preserves memory but questions who controls the historical and visual narrative of the territory.

Ultimately, the laboratory opens the door to new ways of understanding and valuing heritage, with the attentive gaze of society and academia.

The practice of rephotography in Tarragona is not only an aesthetic exercise, but an act of denunciation and reflection on the transformation of the landscape and the collective memory that surrounds us. With these projects, URV places visual culture at the center as a living and critical element of local heritage.

Article source: Rovira i Virgili University

The first weeks after a stroke are crucial because the brain takes advantage of its plasticity to reorganize itself. For this reason, URV and the Hospital del Mar have launched the RehArt project, which complements conventional therapy with activities that promote this plasticity in a different hospital environment.

The RehArt project and its impact in Tarragona

What is it and why is it of interest to the people of Tarragona?

Recovery after a stroke can be slow and difficult. Therefore, at the Neurological Rehabilitation Unit of the Centre Esperança, where the trial is conducted, the first "enriched environment" in Spain has been created. This space is not a cold and impersonal hospital, but a place designed to encourage the active participation of patients in activities that motivate them and seem meaningful.

In Tarragona, where the incidence of stroke is a public health challenge, this initiative can mark a before and after in how rehabilitation processes are designed. Those affected in Tarragona will be able to benefit from a therapy that is more attractive and effective, which not only treats the body but also the mind and emotion.

How is the enriched environment configured and what does it offer?

The space is full of resources like books, board games, art materials, music, and indoor gardening activities. The goal is for patients to continue with their hobbies and interests during their stay, accompanied by family members and caregivers, which reinforces the feeling of normality and autonomy.

The design involved the participation of more than one hundred people, including patients, family members, and professionals, ensuring that the space is truly adapted to the real needs and local culture of Tarragona and its surroundings.

Clinical and economic evaluation of rehabilitation with stimulating activities

What methodology does the trial follow and what results are expected?

The study includes ninety participants who have suffered a moderate or severe stroke. They are grouped into three: one receives only conventional rehabilitation, another combines this with activities in the enriched environment, and a third carries out individualized activities in the room.

The researchers measure functional, cognitive, and emotional progress at admission, discharge, and one month later to determine the effectiveness and durability of the benefits. This analysis is key to knowing whether Tarragona can incorporate these spaces into its healthcare offer.

What economic impact does implementing these environments in Tarragona’s healthcare system have?

The project also examines the resources required for this intervention to ensure its application is sustainable and efficient in the public system. This is of great interest to Tarragona, where the management of healthcare resources is a constant issue and where solutions are sought that add value without overburdening budgets.

Economic viability will determine whether the model can be expanded and offer more human and effective rehabilitation to more patients in Tarragona.

How is rehabilitation experienced in Tarragona with the enriched environment?

How does this model affect patients and their families?

Patients participate in group sessions of ninety minutes five days a week, guided by occupational therapists. The activities are personalized and include special attention to music, a resource that improves neuroplasticity and emotional state.

For families and caregivers in Tarragona, this proposal means a space to share, participate, and see rehabilitation as a more active and hopeful process.

Why does URV choose Tarragona to promote this model?

URV has a social responsibility that goes beyond teaching and research. This project is a clear example of how the university connects with the health and social needs of the province, providing innovative solutions that can transform citizens’ lives.

With support from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Tarragona positions itself as a leading territory in stroke rehabilitation, with a model that prioritizes the person and the community.

This clinical trial opens the door to a new way of understanding rehabilitation in Tarragona, more human and effective, which can change the lives of many people affected by a stroke.

If you want to learn more about this initiative or are involved in the recovery of someone close, this information can be key.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

With 35 mentor-mentee pairs since its inception, the program is established as a key bridge between the university and professional worlds, especially for the province of Tarragona.

The mentoring program: a boost for Tarragona’s young talents

What is the program and who is it aimed at?

The HUB Experimenta Mentoring Program connects students in the final years of their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies in STEM fields with professionals from industry, research centers, and universities. In Tarragona, this represents an opportunity for young people who want to better understand the working world and have expert guidance during a decisive stage.

Why does it matter to students from Tarragona?

Because personalized support helps overcome the uncertainty of a key stage. 89% of participants acknowledge that the program has helped them make academic and professional decisions, while two out of three have gained confidence and better understood the local labor reality.

Workshops and experiences that make a difference

How are students prepared for the labor market?

The closing day of the 2026 edition included a practical workshop on personal branding and LinkedIn, delivered by employability expert Wences Romero. Students learned how to build an attractive professional profile, leverage keywords to appear in automated processes, and use artificial intelligence to prepare for interviews.

What tangible benefits do students gain?

More than half report improving essential skills such as resume writing and professional communication, and 44% have expanded their contact network thanks to the mentors. This is especially relevant in a territory like Tarragona, where professional connections open doors in local industrial and technological sectors.

A community connecting Tarragona with the future

What is the mission of HUB Experimenta?

HUB Experimenta is a space that brings together students, researchers, faculty, and companies to promote STEAM talent in Tarragona and its surroundings. Through mentoring, networking, and training, it generates real opportunities for future professionals, facilitating their integration into the local economic fabric.

Who supports this initiative in Tarragona?

The program is supported by prestigious entities such as the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology, DOW, BASF, ELIX Polymers, and DuPont Water Solutions, which provide experience and resources to strengthen this network of talent and industry.

The results show that the program is not only useful but generates a real impact on labor preparation in Tarragona.

It is clear that a program like this makes a difference for young people who want to leap into the labor market equipped with updated tools and expert support. Both students and mentors value the experience and want to repeat it, thus building a virtuous circle of talent and opportunities in the province.

If you are a STEM student in Tarragona, this program could be your springboard. And if you are a professional, a way to contribute experience and connect with the territory’s future.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

The involvement of the Rovira i Virgili University in an internationally renowned scientific project confirms its commitment to impactful research and rigorous study of human evolution in Western Europe.

Participation and leadership of URV and IPHES-CERCA at Atapuerca

What importance does the participation of these members have for Tarragona?

URV and IPHES-CERCA not only provide researchers but lead scientific coordination at key sites. This places Tarragona on the global map of archaeological and paleontological research, with a direct impact on professional training and international projection.

Which sites do they coordinate and why are they key?

The team leads work at Sima del Elefante, Gran Dolina-TD6, Galería, Cueva Fantasma, and El Mirador. In addition, they manage sediment washing in the Arlanzón River, essential for recovering microvertebrates that provide data about the climate and environment during the Pleistocene.

Scientific objectives and novelties of the 2026 campaign

What challenges and advances do they aim to achieve this year?

The objectives include the study of Homo antecessor, understanding the first occupations of Western Europe, and investigating Neanderthal populations. They also explore the agricultural and livestock communities that inhabited the area during recent prehistory.

How are the teams distributed and what is the campaign’s duration?

This campaign consists of three work shifts between June and July, with more than 300 participants. Of these, 120 are from URV and IPHES, including researchers, technicians, and students, ensuring solid scientific and educational development.

Impact on teaching and local research

How does this campaign affect students and the academic community?

Students from the Erasmus Mundus Master's in Quaternary Archaeology and Human Evolution actively participate, integrating field research with their training. This reinforces URV as a reference center in archaeology and human evolution.

Why does this presence strengthen Tarragona’s international projection?

Leading a key project like Atapuerca brings prestige and resources to the university and the territory. It also opens collaboration channels with institutions worldwide, positioning Tarragona as a hub of advanced research in humanities and social sciences.

The 2026 Atapuerca campaign is much more than an excavation. It is the continuation of research that connects the province of Tarragona with one of humanity’s great mysteries: the origin and evolution of the first Europeans. URV and IPHES-CERCA play a leading role, providing scientific leadership and high-level training.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

If you are a family or have children between 10 and 18 years old, you might be interested to know how you can contribute to defining public policies that will directly impact local quality of life. It only takes a few minutes.

The objective of the surveys and what they seek to find out

Why is it key to understand the well-being of children and adolescents?

Understanding the reality of young people and their families allows for designing actions that improve their life experience in Tarragona. This updated diagnosis is the basis for creating effective policies.

What aspects are explored in the surveys?

• Emotional and physical well-being of children and adolescents.
• Participation in social and community activities.
• Perception of the school and family environment.
• Concerns and proposals to improve the city.
• Families’ views on resources and needs.

Citizen and social agents’ participation

How can residents participate?

The City Council encourages all families and youths to respond to the surveys, which are anonymous and confidential. Massive and diverse participation is key to obtaining a real and broad picture of the situation.

What role do organizations and educational centers have?

Collaboration is requested from these agents to promote the surveys and reach more people. This way, the information collected will be more representative and useful for planning.

Links and practical details to participate

Where can the surveys be completed?

The surveys can be completed online at these links:

• Families: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/7QNB75T
• Children and adolescents (10-18 years): https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/XTRB5R8

How much time is needed to respond?

They are brief questionnaires that only take a few minutes but have a considerable impact on improving local services and policies.

Participating in these surveys not only helps the City Council better understand the needs of the child and youth group, but also gives families and young people a voice to directly share their experiences and proposals.

The reality is that Tarragona’s future depends on listening to those who live here, especially the youngest and adolescents. And this initiative aims to be the platform that makes this dialogue possible.

Source of the article: Tarragona City Council

The award recognizes local talent and entrepreneurial spirit with a direct impact for the innovative university spin-off, which now has a media boost worth more than 6,000 euros and an annual subscription to the Diari de Tarragona.

The local value of IngreDiZymes and its innovation

What does IngreDiZymes do and why is it of interest to the province?

IngreDiZymes designs new ingredients for sectors such as food, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals, applying technology that uses natural proteins to create compounds beneficial for health. This directly impacts the circular economy of the region, as they reuse materials like chicken feet to generate solutions that can lower blood pressure or have antidiabetic effects.

Which patents and innovations stand out?

The spin-off holds patents that are applied to underexploited raw materials, turning waste into products with significant added value for the industry and local consumption. This approach provides a competitive advantage that can make a difference in key sectors for the Tarragona region.

The BBVA Award for Business Innovation: context and impact

What is the scope of this award in Tarragona?

The BBVA Awards, in collaboration with the Diari de Tarragona, seek to reward SMEs and freelancers based in the region who promote ideas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IngreDiZymes’ third place represents recognition with visibility and support that favors the consolidation of innovative projects in the territory.

Who has been part of the jury and which other companies have stood out?

The jury has included representatives from URV, BBVA, the Tarragona Chamber, and other local entities. It also awarded the company from l'Arboç Polar NanoPharma and the startup from Pratdip AlgaNova Biotech, reflecting the diversity and quality of the Tarragona innovation ecosystem.

How will this award affect the future of IngreDiZymes?

What value does the communication campaign add to the project?

The multichannel campaign valued at 6,000 euros and the subscription to the Diari de Tarragona offer IngreDiZymes a platform to expand its presence and attract new clients or investments, a key driver for growth in a highly competitive sector such as applied biotechnology.

What challenges and opportunities open up for this spin-off?

Besides consolidating its technology, IngreDiZymes can expand its range of applications and collaborate with other local industrial companies. This award is evidence that effort in local innovation can have a real global impact while transforming the economic reality of the region.

The reality is that IngreDiZymes clearly demonstrates that university research can become a business engine in Tarragona, providing real and sustainable solutions. With this trajectory, the spin-off not only adds another award but also consolidates its capacity to generate value in the short and long term.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

The URV consolidates its position in the educational and scientific fields, ranking as the 23rd national university and the 6th in Catalonia, behind more well-known names but with less local impact.

Global and national position of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Where does the URV stand in the world ranking?

Of the 8,808 institutions evaluated by the international consulting firm QS, only 1,504 appear in the final ranking. The URV is positioned in the 851-900 range, a place that may seem distant but serves to mark a clear milestone and consolidate Tarragona as a reference university city.

Comparison with universities in Catalonia and Spain

At the national level, the URV occupies 23rd place, tied with the University of Alicante and amid a list that combines public and private centers. In Catalan terms, only five universities surpass it: UB, UAB, UPF, UPC, and Universitat Ramon Llull. This gives Tarragona a prominent presence on the Catalan university map, with a university that holds its ground in a highly competitive context.

The factors that make the URV shine in the academic world

International research networks and citations

One of the URV’s secrets is its strength in research. It stands out particularly in the International Research Networks indicator, where it ranks 263rd worldwide, twelfth nationally. This means that the URV collaborates actively with institutions around the world, giving it prestige and visibility.

Furthermore, the URV is fourth in Spain for Citations per Researcher, ranking 456th worldwide. This indicator measures the real impact of the research conducted by its professors, a key factor for those who value not just quantity but scientific quality.

Other relevant indicators and the QS ranking structure

The university also stands out in sustainability, at 560th place, and maintains a solid reputation both academically and among employers, with surveys of hundreds of thousands of experts and business leaders. The QS ranking evaluates nine different indicators, including the professor/student ratio, the internationalization of faculty and students, and the social and environmental impact of the research.

Context and local impact in Tarragona

How does this global presence affect Tarragona?

The URV’s presence in this ranking is not just a matter of pride. It also has concrete repercussions in the province of Tarragona. Attracting students and researchers from all over generates economic movement, culture, and innovation, factors that help invigorate the city and the region.

What challenges and opportunities arise for the URV and Tarragona?

The URV now faces the challenge of leveraging this consolidation to expand its offer, attract more talent, and strengthen its international network. For Tarragona, this means more visibility and development opportunities in key sectors such as technology, health, and the cultural industry.

Meanwhile, the ranking makes it clear that the URV not only survives in the global context but makes noise. And that does not go unnoticed in Tarragona.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Located at the drinking water treatment plant in l’Ampolla, this laboratory combines scientific rigor and applied research to guarantee the quality of the water reaching citizens and industries. A story that began in 2001 and now celebrates a quarter of a century with a look towards the future.

URAIS’s trajectory in Tarragona

Origin and evolution of the laboratory

The URAIS laboratory was born from an agreement between the Tarragona Water Consortium (CAT) and the Rovira i Virgili University to control environmental radioactivity, especially in the water supplied to the Tarragona area.

After a few initial years on the Sescelades campus, in 2007 it moved to the Drinking Water Treatment Plant in l’Ampolla, where it is part of the Water Quality Laboratory (LQAIGUA). This change of location coincided with ISO 17025 accreditation by the National Accreditation Entity (ENAC), a seal that confirms its technical competence.

Human team and local leadership

The management has been consistent with Francesc Borrull, promoter and reference, and Carme Aguilar as head of the laboratory. The team is expanded with specialized technicians and predoctoral researchers, such as Magdiel Gongora, who maintains the link between research and practice.

The presence of students in training ensures that URAIS stays up to date with the latest methodologies and scientific advances, a key factor that differentiates this laboratory from conventional ones.

Functions and services that protect Tarragona

Radiological control of water

URAIS is responsible for measuring the radioactivity of the drinking water consumed by the municipalities and industries of the Tarragona region, ensuring that levels comply with health and environmental standards.

Furthermore, the laboratory analyzes different types of samples, from soils and sediments to biota and food, to detect the presence of environmental radioactivity and protect public health.

Applied research and continuous improvement

The tasks do not stop at routine control. URAIS incorporates new methodologies and updates protocols thanks to its link with the University.

Publishing in international journals and participating in audits compel the team to stay current, with a rigorous scientific approach that adds value to water management in Tarragona.

25 years celebrating radiological protection in Tarragona

Commemorative scientific conference

To celebrate a quarter of a century, URAIS, CAT, and URV have organized the conference "25 years measuring the radioactivity of our environment," with presentations addressing everything from radioprotection in drinking waters to control in nuclear plants and radon monitoring in the air.

The meeting highlighted URAIS’s role as a link between the university, administrations, and citizens, emphasizing the importance of reliable and updated control.

Local impact and public service

Based in l’Ampolla, URAIS is an example of how applied research and public service can be combined to protect the territory and the health of all Tarragonins.

A job that, after 25 years, shows that measuring what is unseen is key to guaranteeing a safer future for the province.

If radioactivity is invisible, URAIS’s work is not. And that, for Tarragona, is more than enough.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

Researchers from the Rovira i Virgili University (URV), in collaboration with the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona and the Italian University of Insubria, have applied a method based on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to determine the age of bones without the need for extractions or material damage.

How the technique works and why it is an advance for local research

The combination of spectroscopy and chemometrics

The methodology uses infrared radiation to analyze skulls and jaws of red squirrels, a species present in the province of Tarragona. The radiation interacts with the bone and generates a spectrum indicating which parts of the light have been absorbed. This information, combined with chemometric tools that process mathematical and statistical data, allows establishing a reliable model that differentiates old and modern samples.

The Chemosens research group at URV has led the chemometric analysis, achieving 100% reliability in the classification of skulls and between 87% and 95% in jaws.

Benefits for Tarragona museums

Local museums that house collections of animals can use this method to date bones without damaging them, a crucial detail for pieces of patrimonial or scientific value. This technique avoids the destructive extractions that had to be done with X-rays and allows the analysis to be done in less than a minute, speeding up processes and broadening the range of species that can be studied.

Furthermore, the possibility of extending this technique to other materials, such as birds or taxidermied skins, opens doors to deeply studying the fauna of the Costa Daurada and the Camp de Tarragona.

Specific details of the study and obtained results

The analyzed samples and their age

The work focused on 59 specimens of red squirrels, divided between historical individuals collected between 1916 and 1923 and modern ones between 2005 and 2021. This selection allows comparing differences in bone composition according to age and validating the method with a real and representative sample.

Historical bones, more porous and with higher environmental humidity due to degradation, show characteristics detectable with infrared radiation that the model can clearly identify.

Technical aspects that make the difference

The key innovation lies in applying a chemometric model that evaluates which parts of the spectrum are more reliable to avoid errors. This has allowed refining the classification and ensuring that the method is useful for collections with little prior information about their date.

Jordi Riu, a URV researcher, highlights that the analysis is fast, precise, and non-invasive, a combination difficult to achieve until now.

Local perspectives and future applications

Impact for research and conservation in Tarragona

The laboratories and museums in the province could begin implementing this technique to better catalog their collections and facilitate studies on the evolution of local fauna. The rapid and safe identification of bones will allow obtaining more reliable data about the past biodiversity of the region.

This can also help protect endangered species, as knowledge about their history and the environmental changes that have affected them expands.

Possibilities for expanding the method

The project opens the door to studying other species, especially birds and taxidermied skins, provided that a sufficient number of reference specimens is available. This could make the URV a reference center for the rapid and non-destructive analysis of bones and biological materials in Catalonia.

A future with more data and less damage to scientific samples.

But, as always, science advances and bones remain still, waiting for someone to tell their story without breaking them.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

This meeting held on June 18 in Tarragona brought together Catalan universities and research centers to exchange experiences and practical solutions regarding research data.

Organization and news of the FAIR Data 2026 Fair

Collaboration between local and Catalan institutions

The Fair is driven by the Consortium of University Services of Catalonia (CSUC) and the Rovira i Virgili University, with the participation of leading institutes such as ICAC, IPHES, ICIQ, IRB Catalunya Sud, and IRTA. This partnership ensures a shared perspective on data management in the province of Tarragona and throughout Catalonia.

Flash presentations, the main highlight of the edition

For the first time, the Fair has incorporated Flash presentations: brief and concise presentations that allowed 13 researchers to showcase challenges and successes in implementing the FAIR principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable data).

This format has been very well received, facilitating a quick debate on issues such as keyword standardization, sensitive data management, or interoperability in scientific projects.

Discussions and outstanding presentations in Tarragona

Roundtable on data management in the region

Moderated by Josep Maria Macias (ICAC), the table brought together experts such as Amèlia Bargalló (IPHES) and Josep Domingo (URV) who highlighted the need for more institutional support and tools to manage data throughout its life cycle.

They emphasized that sharing data is not only a technical matter but an opportunity to boost research and gain recognition within and beyond the territory.

Inaugural and closing presentations with a local focus

Josep Perelló, full professor at UB, opened the day with a speech on the challenges of citizen science and the quality of open data, a key topic for the scientific community of Tarragona and Catalonia.

The closing was led by Núria Benítez (CERCA) and Mireia Alcalá (CSUC), who reviewed 10 years of work in open science and announced that the next edition will be at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

FAIR Awards and the future of data management in Tarragona

Awards recognizing scientific excellence

The public awarded four projects among the Flash presentations, rewarding innovation in standardization, access to digital data, and interoperability. Among the winners were researchers from ICAC and IRTA, institutions based in the province.

A clear commitment to open and collaborative research

The final dialogue highlighted the importance of connecting infrastructures and digital identifiers to make research more accessible and traceable. Initiatives such as EOSC and ORCID are key for a more open scientific future, also in Tarragona.

The FAIR Data 2026 Fair made it clear that data management and reuse is both a challenge and an opportunity for local research, with an impact that will leave no one indifferent.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

The URV thus highlights the presence of a voice from Tarragona in the body that assesses food risks and issues opinions to guide public policies in Spain, with a three-year mandate.

Mònica Bulló and her key role at AESAN

What is the Scientific Committee and why does it matter to Tarragona

The AESAN Scientific Committee is the body that evaluates risks related to food safety and nutrition at the national level. This entity not only detects emerging risks but also issues scientific opinions that directly influence food and public health regulations.

With Bulló’s incorporation, Tarragona has a prominent representative in a body that coordinates experts and defines priority research lines to guarantee food safety and consumer health.

Renewed Scientific Committee and its leadership

The partial renewal of the committee took place at the University of Granada, with Azucena del Carmen Mora Gutiérrez as president and Ángel Gutiérrez Fernández as vice president.

Members, appointed by the AESAN Board of Directors, will have a three-year mandate, and Bulló is one of ten new members who will bring their scientific experience.

The career and expertise of Mònica Bulló in Tarragona

A reference researcher at the URV

Mònica Bulló is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili and leads the Nutrition and Metabolic Health group (NuMeH).

Additionally, she directs the Environmental, Food, and Toxicological Technology Center at the URV (TecnATox), a reference point in the province for applied research on food and health.

Specialist in nutrition, obesity, and healthy aging

Her research focuses on the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and environment with diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive decline, especially linked to healthy aging.

As director of European and national groups, Bulló works in precision medicine and identifies new mechanisms to improve public health.

Local impact and future of her incorporation

Benefits for the province of Tarragona

Bulló’s presence at AESAN places Tarragona on the national scientific map, enhancing the influence of Tarragona’s research in defining policies affecting food health.

This could translate into better protection for consumers in the province and attract research projects and funding for URV and local entities.

Challenges and perspectives of the scientific committee

The Scientific Committee will have to face the detection of emerging risks and adapt to new food challenges in a changing global context.

With experts like Bulló, Tarragona contributes scientific knowledge that can make a difference in safety and nutrition throughout the State.

Let the city not think it is only good for tourism and human towers.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili