És un premi que evidencia que el talent científic local juga un paper clau en la transició energètica i la recerca avançada. Però, què fa exactament aquesta tarragonina perquè la seva candidatura sobresurti d’entre centenars?

El projecte que fa brillar Carla Casadevall a la URV

Què implica ser investigadora Ramón y Cajal a la URV?

La titulació Ramón y Cajal és una de les més prestigioses per a joves científics a Espanya. Carla Casadevall lidera un grup a la Universitat Rovira i Virgili on impulsa la recerca aplicada en energia solar. No és només teoria: treballa amb sistemes bioinspirats que reprodueixen la fotosíntesi per crear combustibles i productes químics sostenibles.

Com influeix el seu projecte BIOPOLE en la recerca local?

El projecte BIOPOLE aposta per microreactors i membranes artificials que milloraran l’eficiència i la selectivitat en reaccions químiques, clau per a la descarbonització. Aquest enfocament innovador situa la URV com a referent en la lluita contra el canvi climàtic des del cor de Tarragona.

Què és l’Acadèmia Jove d’Espanya i per què hi està Carla?

Per què aquesta acadèmia és tan exclusiva?

L’Acadèmia Jove d’Espanya es va fundar el 2019 per donar veu i protagonisme als joves científics. Cada any només seleccionen 10 nous membres, amb una durada màxima de cinc anys. La selecció passa per un comitè internacional que avalua l’excel·lència i l’impacte del treball de cada candidat.

Com beneficia la pertinença a l’acadèmia els investigadors i la societat?

Aquesta plataforma facilita l’intercanvi de coneixements entre institucions i permet que el talent jove influeixi en les polítiques científiques. Per a la URV i Tarragona, és un impuls que reforça la presència en l’escena científica nacional i internacional.

Impacte local i futur de la investigació de Carla Casadevall

Com afecta aquesta distinció als veïns de Tarragona?

Tenir una investigadora de la URV en l’Acadèmia Jove significa que Tarragona juga un paper actiu en la recerca que pot canviar la manera d’entendre l’energia i el medi ambient. A més, pot atreure més recursos i talent a la província, que és just el que necessita.

Quins reptes i oportunitats s’obren a partir d’ara?

Casadevall i el seu equip tenen l’oportunitat de consolidar projectes que podrien portar a tecnologies aplicables a la indústria local i global. Tot plegat mentre formen futures generacions de científics que mantindran viu l’esperit d’innovació tarragoní.

La investigació de Carla Casadevall no és només un triomf personal, sinó un motor per a la URV i el seu entorn. Aquesta distinció confirma que hi ha talent amb arrels a Tarragona capaç de jugar a l’elit científica.

Font de l'article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Imagineu-vos una taula on no només els experts habituals prenen la paraula, sinó que hi seuen representants polítics, socials i educatius amb veu i ganes de canviar les coses. Això és exactament el que passarà a Tortosa, on es vol posar sobre la taula com l'acollida a les escoles pot ser més inclusiva i adaptada a la realitat concreta de les Terres de l'Ebre.

El procés participatiu que canviarà l'acollida educativa

Com es desenvoluparà el debat extraordinari?

La primera sessió presencial tindrà lloc el 7 de maig de 2026 a les 17:30 hores als Serveis Territorials d'Educació i Formació Professional (C. de la Providència, 5-9, Tortosa). La segona serà telemàtica, prevista pel 4 de juny de 2026.

Aquestes dues trobades permetran a agents educatius i representants socials analitzar i posar en comú pràctiques i models d'acollida, amb una mirada territorial i inclusiva. L'objectiu: generar propostes concretes per fomentar la cohesió i l'equitat al sistema educatiu local.

Qui hi participarà i per què és rellevant?

La convocatòria va més enllà dels membres habituals del Consell Escolar Territorial. Hi assistiran, entre d'altres, el delegat del Govern de la Generalitat a les Terres de l'Ebre, presidents i consellers d'Educació dels quatre consells comarcals, el director dels Serveis Territorials de Drets Socials i Inclusió, la coordinadora territorial de Joventut i el personal de la Junta Territorial de direccions de centres educatius.

Aquesta pluralitat d'agents assegura que el debat incorpori diverses perspectives i que les solucions que s'hi proposin tinguin en compte les necessitats reals de la comunitat educativa ebrenca.

Funcions i importància del Consell Escolar Territorial

Quina és la missió del Consell Escolar Territorial?

Els consells escolars territorials són òrgans de consulta i participació que representen sectors diversos de la comunitat educativa en l'àmbit no universitari. La seva tasca és assessorar i aportar idees a la programació general de l'ensenyament en el territori corresponent.

A més, poden comptar amb la participació de representants d'entitats i agents socials, encara que sense dret a vot, per tal d'ampliar la visió i enriquir les decisions.

Per què és clau aquest òrgan per l'educació a les Terres de l'Ebre?

Tenint en compte la diversitat i les especificitats socials i culturals de les Terres de l'Ebre, el Consell Escolar Territorial actua com un pont que articula les necessitats del territori amb les polítiques educatives. És una eina essencial per garantir que les polítiques s'adaptin al context local i que la veu de la comunitat educativa tingui un pes real en les decisions.

És precisament aquesta funció la que justifica la convocatòria d'aquest debat extraordinari, perquè l'acollida de l'alumnat és un punt decisiu per a l'equitat educativa.

Impacte i objectius del debat sobre l'acollida de l'alumnat

Com afectarà aquest debat als alumnes i famílies?

Per als alumnes, especialment aquells que arriben de contextos diversos o amb necessitats especials, una acollida millorada pot marcar la diferència entre sentir-se integrats o quedar al marge. Aquest procés busca que tots tinguin les mateixes oportunitats d'èxit i participació.

Les famílies també hi guanyaran, ja que una acollida més sensible i adaptada facilita la comunicació amb els centres i crea un ambient més de confiança i suport.

Quines propostes es volen generar i per què?

L'objectiu final és produir un conjunt de propostes i orientacions que serveixin per millorar els models d'acollida i fer que el sistema educatiu de les Terres de l'Ebre sigui més equitatiu i cohesionador.

La mirada territorial és clau: no es tracta de copiar fórmules estàndard, sinó de trobar solucions que encaixin amb la realitat i les necessitats específiques de la comarca.

El president del Consell Escolar Territorial, Mario González Jorge, liderarà aquest espai per garantir que el debat sigui constructiu i que les decisions prenguin en compte les veus de tots els implicats.

Al final, la pregunta que ens queda és: com serà l'acollida educativa a les Terres de l'Ebre després d'aquest debat? Només el temps i la voluntat col·lectiva ens ho diran.

Les sessions són obertes a la participació activa de la comunitat educativa i qualsevol persona interessada pot informar-se més a través dels Serveis Territorials d'Educació i Formació Professional a les Terres de l'Ebre.

El 7 de maig a les 17:30 h, al carrer de la Providència de Tortosa, s'encetarà un procés que pot canviar la manera com els nens i nenes de la comarca són rebuts al sistema educatiu.

Les Terres de l'Ebre es posen en marxa per no deixar ningú enrere. És un pas endavant que cal seguir de prop.

La realitat és que l'acollida educativa condiciona el futur de molts alumnes i és un repte per a tota la societat ebrenca.

Font de l'article: Govern.cat

The new mandate comes with a clear promise to prioritize people and to secure an investment of more than 150 million euros in equipment and projects that will transform the university.

Josep Pallarès’ leadership at URV

What does this historic 72% support imply?

72% support is not just a solid number: it is the greatest confidence any rector has received at the URV so far. This means that the university community opts to maintain the course set in recent years, with management focused on closeness and innovation.

What are the main objectives of the new mandate?

Pallarès has made it clear that he wants to put people at the center. This translates into boosting dual education, promoting new learning models, and strengthening internationalization. All of this with the ambition to create global alliances that benefit students and research.

The mobilization of 150 million euros

How is this investment planned to be achieved?

Mobilizing more than 150 million euros for equipment is no joke. This amount targets major projects to improve infrastructure and equip the URV with tools to compete internationally.

What impact will this investment have in Tarragona?

The investment will boost talent attraction capacity and foster applied research, with a direct effect on the local economy and educational quality. Tarragona will position itself as a university benchmark in the Mediterranean.

The role of URV in the future of higher education

Why are dual education and innovative learning key?

Dual education combines theory and practice, a model that better adapts to labor market needs. The new rector supports this model to better prepare students for real professional challenges.

How will internationalization affect the student body?

Opening the university to the world means more opportunities for students, more cultural exchange, and the possibility of accessing international research and entrepreneurship networks.

An ambitious leadership that not only seeks numbers but aims to transform the URV into a reference space combining excellence and humanism.

The university community’s record support for Josep Pallarès indicates that the project convinces. Now it remains to see if expectations are met and how Tarragona will evolve with URV as an engine of change.

Article source: Eloi Tost | ACN

Coordinated by the Rovira i Virgili University, this project has become a local reference to promote scientific and technological vocations among young people, especially girls.

The project and its protagonists in Tarragona

Who is behind Inspira STEAM?

The program is led at the national level by the University of Deusto, but in Tarragona its driving force is Carme Olivé, a professor in the Department of Computer Engineering and Mathematics at URV. She coordinates a project that includes the voluntary participation of mentors who are experts in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

These professionals bring their experience to highlight the work of women scientists and break sexist barriers that still persist in these sectors.

The role of local schools and companies

During the closing day, schools such as Molí de Vent (Torredembarra), Mare de Déu del Carme (Tarragona), and ZER Benissanet-Miravet shared their experience with the project.

Additionally, companies from the region like Dow Chemical Ibérica, Essity, and Repsol, among others, were present as sponsors and contributed mentors, showing a business network committed to this change.

The final day and featured presentations

How was the project closing celebrated?

On June 9th, the closing day was a full recognition event. María Luz Guenaga, national coordinator, and Carme Olivé welcomed the attendees, which included representatives from companies and educational centers.

The presence of URV’s rector, Josep Pallarès, was the cherry on top of an event that also featured presentations from the participating centers, which enthusiastically explained how the project has impacted their students.

Which companies collaborated in this edition?

Besides the ones already mentioned, other Premium and Honor sponsors included companies such as Cargill, DuPont, Magnera, and Mars Snacking, as well as entities like the Tarragona Provincial Council and the City Council of Reus.

Mentors also joined from BASF, BOSTIK, CTAIMA, ICIQ, IRB Catsud, Inetum, IPHES, Technip, and Vencomatic Group, expanding the network of professionals involved in the region.

Impact and future of the Inspira STEAM project in the region

Why is it key for Tarragona?

The project not only fosters interest in scientific disciplines but also addresses a real problem: the low female presence in STEAM fields. This local initiative offers concrete and visible solutions, with an impact that has reached more than 1,600 students over seven years.

Moreover, the business and educational support demonstrates that Tarragona is betting on a more equal and innovative future.

How will Inspira STEAM continue evolving?

Although closing this edition, the Inspira STEAM project remains alive in the region. The goal is to maintain and expand participation, consolidate the network of mentors, and continue breaking stereotypes to make science a natural choice for everyone.

The commitment of URV and local companies is key to sustaining this momentum.

Meanwhile, Tarragona can already boast of having a program that goes beyond good intentions and places science within reach of the youngest, especially girls, who still have many questions to ask and answers to build.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

The project, led by the Chair of University and Knowledge Region at the Rovira i Virgili University (URV), is supported by the Tarragona Provincial Council and the Association for the Metropolitan Impulse of the Camp de Tarragona.

The metropolitan innovation system: what it is and who participates

A network to connect talents and resources

The Metropolitan Innovation System (SIM) does not aim to reinvent the wheel but to pool the resources already existing in the Camp de Tarragona. According to Jordi Duch, director of the chair, the SIM is a tool to strengthen collaboration between universities, companies, administrations, and research centers.

It is a “living and cooperative” network that drives the economic and social development of the territory through the intelligent use of knowledge and innovation already present.

Key agents and established trajectories

In Tarragona, the SIM brings together agents with a long and specialized trajectory in innovation. The challenge was to achieve coordination among all these efforts, so far dispersed, to make a qualitative leap in competitiveness.

Besides the URV, the Tarragona Provincial Council and the Metropolitan Impulse Association are essential pillars that ensure public and private involvement.

The online platform: engine for exchange and opportunity detection

A digital system to not miss opportunities

The SIM’s first major action is the creation of an online platform that will allow exchanging information among innovation agents. This digital tool will be key to detecting collaboration opportunities and analyzing the talent needs of the territory.

Without this connection, many companies and institutions operate alone, and projects requiring consortia and diverse participants—often demanded by European calls—are lost.

Joint brand and appeal for talent and investment

The platform will also serve to create a common brand that projects the Camp de Tarragona as an innovative and attractive region. This not only enhances the image but plays a fundamental role in attracting investments and quality professionals.

A technical office within the Chair of University and Knowledge Region will be dedicated to energizing this ecosystem, ensuring the network is operational and grows with new agents.

Future and expansion of the innovation system

Incorporation of more agents with an innovative DNA

The idea is that as the platform works, other actors in the territory interested in innovating will be added, such as research centers, technology transfer, and leading innovation companies.

This growth will multiply synergies and better foster interaction between municipalities and administrations, especially in the context of boosting the Tarragona metropolitan area.

An impulse that will change the way of collaborating

Until now, the lack of connection has hindered collaborative dynamics between municipalities and agents in the Camp de Tarragona. With the SIM and the new network, this scenario is set to change.

The challenge is for innovation to stop being the concern of just a few and become a shared engine that helps transform the territory.

With this movement, Tarragona is not only preparing to compete but to lead an ecosystem that has long been asking to move from potential to reality.

At least now they can no longer say they don’t know each other.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

In addition to the celebration, diplomas were awarded to participants of the Sponsorship, Bonds, Language Volunteering, and Socio-educational Mentoring programs, a recognition that highlights the social and educational involvement in the city.

The Educational Environment Plan in Tortosa

What is it and how does it work?

The Educational Environment Plan (PEE) is an initiative that seeks to create support networks among schools, families, and local organizations to improve educational success and social cohesion. In Tortosa, the PEE has become a driving force for community participation and student support.

Highlighted programs and their importance

The programs recognized at the celebration are key to integration and personal development: Sponsorship connects students with mentors who accompany them, Bonds strengthens family support, Language Volunteering promotes the learning of Catalan, and Socio-educational Mentoring helps overcome school and social difficulties.

The party at the City Hall square

An event for the community

The City Hall square was filled with life during the party that served to close the school year. Activities, music, and moments of togetherness formed the backdrop for the diploma ceremony, a detail that moved the participants and their families.

The attendees' response

Families and educators positively valued the event, which highlights the importance of a project that goes beyond the classrooms and creates bonds among the citizens of Tortosa.

The role of the City Hall and the future of the Educational Plan

Institutional support

The City Hall of Tortosa is a key player in promoting the Educational Environment Plan, coordinating resources and facilitating the participation of the different involved agents. This party confirms the municipal commitment to education and social cohesion.

Perspectives for the next school year

With the school year closed, work is already underway for the Educational Environment Plan to continue expanding and adapting to the needs of students and families, with the goal that Tortosa maintains and improves this model of educational participation.

If the party has served any purpose, it is to demonstrate that education is everyone’s responsibility, and that in Tortosa no one is left behind without a diploma in their pocket.

Source of the article: City Hall of Tortosa

The municipal group En Comú Podem has brought this case to the Labor Inspectorate, which now has nine months to open a file and propose a solution to the Generalitat. The complaint is based on the occupational risk prevention law, since, paradoxically, there is no Catalan or state regulation that controls the temperature for children.

The complaint about the lack of air conditioning in schools

The affected centers and the origin of the complaint

Four schools in Tarragona suffer from the lack of proper air conditioning in the classrooms. The teachers affirm that the high temperatures hinder daily work and put occupational health at risk. The actual conditions contrast with the comfort promises that educational spaces should guarantee.

The legal basis of the complaint

The spokesperson of En Comú Podem, Jordi Collado, denounces that the occupational risk prevention law protects teachers but does not regulate conditions for children. This gap causes the situation to drag on without a solution until the Labor Inspectorate takes on the file and urges the Generalitat to act.

Impact on teachers and students

Violated labor conditions

The high temperatures cause an unbearable work situation for the teaching staff. It is impossible to maintain concentration and teaching quality when the thermometer rises uncontrollably. This can imply health risks and a feeling of institutional abandonment.

Well-being and learning of the students

If the teachers are suffering, the children cannot perform. The classrooms resemble more a sauna than a space to learn. This directly affects the students’ attention capacity and motivation, with the risk that it translates into worse educational results.

Institutional response and case follow-up

Procedure of the Labor Inspectorate

The Labor Inspectorate now has the ball in its court. It has a maximum of nine months to investigate and determine whether the Generalitat must act to guarantee decent conditions at school. Opening a file is a step that can trigger concrete measures.

Expectations and future steps

There is great expectation among the educational community. Families and teachers want to see real changes, not just promises. The Generalitat will be pressured to respond with investments and reforms to prevent this situation from perpetuating season after season.

Perhaps now that the heat is at the doorstep, someone will realize that the problem is not solved by opening windows. Or maybe not.

Source of the article: Editorial | ACN

CEDAT and the Chair of Environmental Law Studies of Tarragona Alcalde Pere Lloret, linked to the Rovira i Virgili University, have experienced this transition with an event that, more than procedural, has been a tribute to a legacy and a commitment to the future.

The leadership change at the head of CEDAT

Who is Endrius Cocciolo?

The new director, associate professor of Administrative Law at URV, carries energy law and the ecological transition in his blood. Graduated from Università del Salento and doctor from the Autonomous University of Barcelona with cum laude honors, Cocciolo does not only accumulate titles: he also coordinates leading European projects, such as MSCA-DN THERESA, which trains professionals for a renewable hydrogen economy.

Antoni Pigrau and the legacy to surpass

The founder and former director, Antoni Pigrau, has been the soul of CEDAT for nearly twenty years. He not only created the institution but also built a solid and internationally recognized academic community. This is what Cocciolo now must maintain and grow, a task that will not be easy at all.

Goals and challenges of the new leadership

Consolidating a reference in environmental law

Cocciolo does not want to settle. He wants CEDAT to be the benchmark in Catalonia and Spain in environmental law, but also a space with global impact. The key? Environmental, climate, and energy justice, especially in a context full of challenges and complexities. A discourse that does not remain in words but translates into cutting-edge research and training.

Projects and social impact

The new director wants to strengthen research and the connection with society. The projects under his direction seek not only to produce knowledge but also to influence real policies and practices. The emphasis on justice (without filter) and energy as a backbone are the identity markers that will define CEDAT over the coming years.

The academic and scientific career of Endrius Cocciolo

Experience in European and national projects

Apart from MSCA-DN THERESA, Cocciolo has led initiatives such as the national project ComEnerSys, which deals with the regulation of community energy systems and energy flexibility. He also holds responsibility for various projects within the Industrial Doctorates program of the Government of Catalonia, a clear demonstration of his capacity to manage applied research.

His role in education and international forums

He is academic coordinator of the Interuniversity Master’s Degree in Public Administration Law and a prominent member of the European Environmental Law Forum. Moreover, he has been Co-Chair of the Research Committee of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, honoring his global vocation with a local perspective that he now leads in Tarragona.

The change of director at CEDAT confirms that the institution does not want to fall behind. With Cocciolo at the helm, Tarragona maintains a center with pedigree, but also with the desire to shake up the environmental law landscape.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

Driven by the Theatre Classroom of the Rovira i Virgili University and the Tarragona City Council, this project proposes more than shows: it offers a space for exchange where the audience can intervene and share with creators.

A space where theatre and performance mix

BunkerLab, an open and plural proposal

BunkerLab leaves behind the idea of culture as a closed product and bets on an open process. Here, theatre dialogues with performance, audiovisual, photography, and scenic action to bring to the table the contradictions of the world we live in.

The fourth edition focuses on the idea of transit: the vital, social, and emotional changes we go through as individuals and as a community. It is a space to look into each other's eyes, listen, and activate shared sensitivity.

Workshops and actions open to the public

Beyond the shows, BunkerLab includes workshops and shared workspaces. This allows citizens to approach creative processes and participate in performative actions, becoming an active part of the project.

The opening day, June 9, presents creative processes and invites audience involvement. There will also be a screening of "Alpes: última salida," an audiovisual project by young Tarragona journalists, and the poetic exhibition "The Rhythm of Absence" by Zona Zàlata, which reflects on violence and dehumanization.

Scenic pieces that put society on stage

Proposals that explore personal and social transformation

Among the highlighted pieces, "De bola a bola" by Estel Boada addresses personal change processes. Alba Rihe presents "Turboidentitat," a monologue that mixes mediumship and social struggles with body expression.

Also noteworthy is "L’auca de la migració," a performative action about migratory reality and mutual respect, with texts by Oriol Montesó and Enric Garriga, illustrations by Alejandra Zúñiga Cárdenas, and voices of Marta Grau and Joan Pascual.

Calidoscope and the multiple gaze on reality

The Theatre Classroom of the URV directs "Calidoscope 1" and "Calidoscope 2," which claim dialogue and listening against discourses of violence and confrontation. This plural perspective values the defense of life from a scenic point of view.

The 2026 edition of BunkerLab consolidates a methodology that bets on collective creation, the crossing of disciplines, and openness to the public as a driver of social transformation.

Local impetus and coordination with social projection

An initiative of the URV and the Tarragona City Council

BunkerLab is the result of collaboration between the Tarragona City Council and Rovira i Virgili University, with pedagogical and artistic coordination by the URV Theatre Classroom and the Zona Zàlata company.

This alliance strengthens the connection between university, institutions, and society, making Tarragona a meeting point for creation and critical thinking.

A creative laboratory open to everyone

The project is not only designed for professionals or students but for anyone who wants to participate and experiment. BunkerLab invites creators and citizens to share processes, experiences, and reflections with the aim of building an accessible and transformative culture.

Thus, a space is generated where culture becomes a tool to understand and act in the world around us, without filters or barriers.

If you thought culture was just about watching shows, BunkerLab shows you it can be much more: a place to think, feel, and move together.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

The celebration on June 4 gathered the 2022-2026 class of the Faculty of Economics and Business of the Rovira i Virgili University and showcased the new batch of professionals who will face the challenges of the economic future.

The graduation, detail by detail

Distribution of students by degree

The 211 graduates were distributed as follows: 27 in Economics, 73 in Finance and Accounting (FIC), 83 in Business Administration and Management (ADE), and 28 in the Double Degree ADE+FIC. A combination that reflects the diversity and breadth of the studies offered by the Faculty.

The event and the protagonists

Presided over by Dean Victòria Sánchez Rebull, the event featured the participation of Arnau Farré, president of the College of Economists of Catalonia in Tarragona, as godfather. Farré emphasized the importance of the education received and the professional challenges awaiting the new graduates. Academic and student representatives from each program also spoke, contributing a personal and collective perspective on the university experience.

A day to remember at FiraReus

Speeches and key moments

The words of Reus’s Councilor of Education and Citizenship, Pilar López Bastida, added an institutional and forward-looking tone, encouraging students to apply their talent to transform society. The diploma ceremony, a much-anticipated classic, was the most emotional moment, with graduates receiving tangible recognition of their efforts.

Closure with emotion and tradition

The day ended with the dean highlighting the students' effort, perseverance, and adaptability. And, as could not be missed, the Gaudeamus Igitur closed the ceremony, a melody that sums up years of study, sacrifice, and hope.

The voices of the 2022-26 class

Student representatives on stage

Borja González and Oriol Salmerón spoke on behalf of Economics. Jan Marsenyach and Lluís Rull voiced Finance and Accounting. Martí Carles and Víctor Segura represented ADE, while Ioana Claudia and Anton Urbiola did so for the Double Degree. Reflections full of experiences that brought humanity to the event.

The future that begins now

The ceremony not only celebrated an ending, but also marked the beginning of a new professional phase for these 211 students. Now it is time to prove that theory becomes reality, and that the Faculty has left a mark for a lifetime.

If graduation is the start of an adventure, may it be long and relentless.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

The university entry exams always cause nerves, but this year technology is added to ensure everything is clean. As if that were not enough, four more exam boards have been added in Baix Penedès, an area that was pending after the chaotic 2020 due to the pandemic.

Distribution and key data of the PAU 2026

How many students are participating and where are they from?

A total of 4,435 students are called to take the exam in the Tarragona district, 260 more than last year. Of these, 3,924 come from high school and 511 from vocational training cycles, a number that reflects the diversity of profiles aspiring to university.

Where are the exams held and why is Baix Penedès in the news?

There are 26 boards spread across municipalities such as Tarragona, Reus, Vila-seca, Valls, Cambrils, Tortosa, Móra d'Ebre, Amposta, and El Vendrell. El Vendrell debuts four new boards to meet the demand from institutes in Baix Penedès, who were only able to take university entry exams in 2020 due to the exceptional health circumstances.

The role of electronic detectors at URV

How will devices be controlled during the exams?

This year, fifteen electronic device detectors will be deployed at Rovira i Virgili University. The intention is to ensure that no student uses mobile phones or other devices during the exams, a step many consider necessary but that also generates some discomfort.

What does this pilot test imply for students and organizers?

Students will experience technological screening they had not encountered before, and exam organizers will have a tool to prevent cheating. This could mark a before and after in how these exams are managed in our district.

Challenges and expectations for this edition of the PAU

What are the most common concerns among students?

Nerves, pressure, and stress continue to be main factors. Additionally, the introduction of electronic detectors raises doubts among some students about their privacy or possible errors in detection.

What impact will this edition have on the future of the PAU in Tarragona?

If the pilot with detectors works, it could be extended to other locations and become the new normal. This would mean a change in the organization and perception of the exams, making them safer but also more technological.

Source of the article: Editorial staff | ACN

It is a step that reflects the fight against the difficult years experienced by academic generational renewal, especially relevant in the province of Tarragona, where the URV plays a key role in consolidating local and international talent.

The María Goyri program and its implementation in Tarragona

Origin and objectives of the program

The María Goyri program, the result of an agreement between the Generalitat of Catalonia and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, seeks to incorporate and stabilize teaching and research talent in public universities. It was launched in 2024 at the national level, with 5,636 places distributed between the State and the autonomous communities.

Specifically, Catalonia has received 168 places, of which 112 are for the Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Of these, 68 initial places were delivered at the recent event, demonstrating a commitment to the academic future in Tarragona.

The importance for URV and the territory

Josep Font, Vice-Rector of Staff and Teaching Researcher, highlighted the importance of these incorporations after years of difficulties. The URV represents a knowledge engine in Tarragona, and its ability to attract and retain talent is key for the province.

The program promotes that the URV can maintain a stable staff with growth potential, which directly impacts the teaching and research quality of the region.

The delivery ceremony in Tarragona: details and interventions

The protagonists: the new assistant professors

At the ceremony, 26 researchers from different departments personally received their badges. This gesture symbolizes their official and recognized entry into the university structure.

Antoni Brosa, representative of the assistant professors, emphasized the path traveled during the past year and the important institutional support received. He stressed that “these steps may seem modest from the outside, but they allow for the continuation of the feeling of learning and growth inherent to our work.”

URV’s commitment to the future

Rector Josep Pallarès closed the event with a clear message: the URV stands alongside these new incorporations to facilitate their growth and preparation for future accreditations and consolidated positions.

He underlined that “we all know the challenges you face, which is why we are here to help you. We are here for the future, not only yours but for the university’s future.” A commitment that makes Tarragona feel it has a university project with a long-term vision.

Impact and expectations for the academic community and the province

Generational renewal and stability

The arrival of new assistant professors with this recognition represents a breath of fresh air for the URV and the academic community in Tarragona. After years where generational renewal has been a latent problem, the María Goyri program is a boost to maintain teaching and research quality.

This also benefits knowledge transfer and local innovation, aspects that directly impact the economy and society of Tarragona.

The immediate future of URV and the province

With this move, the Universitat Rovira i Virgili positions itself to continue being a reference in Catalonia, especially in the province of Tarragona. The consolidation of assistant professors guarantees that talent not only arrives but stays and grows.

This stability is key to facing future challenges in teaching and research with guarantees, keeping the URV as an indispensable cultural and scientific engine.

The province thus gains strength in the university field, with a clear commitment to the renewal and growth of an academic community that never ceases to amaze.

The reality is that Tarragona can look with optimism on this new chapter of its university, where youth and talent come together to make a difference.

Source of the article: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

With nearly a hundred participating students divided into 11 teams, this year's edition has once again proven that the chemical sector in Tarragona has a lot to say thanks to the innovation and creativity of future generations.

The strength of the winning teams and their connection to the industry

The teams that made a difference

The award for Chemical Engineering (GEQ) went to a team of nine students who combined effort and knowledge: Héctor Diestre, Berta Baldomà, Javi Barón, Jordi Bosch, Alejandro Codoñer, Imane Choukri, Daia Navarro, Jaime San Miguel, and Enrique Joaquim Teixeira. Meanwhile, the winning group for Food Bioprocess Engineering (GEBA) is made up of Mireia Viera, Josep Coll, Arnau Mariné, and Joan Pol Barrera.

An experience that goes beyond the prize

In addition to recognition, these students will be able to visit the Messer facilities in Vila-seca, one of the pillars of the local chemical industry. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a networking session with industry professionals, a window that connects the academic world with the professional one, which is precisely what they need to start putting their feet on the ground.

The educational model that fuels Tarragona’s chemical industry

Real and practical learning at ETSEQ

The deputy director of ETSEQ, Manel Vallès, highlighted that the Messer Awards reflect the educational philosophy of the center, which bets on project-based learning and teamwork. Thus, students not only learn theory but work in environments that simulate the professional reality of the chemical industry.

URV as a cradle of local talent

Josep Pallarès, rector of URV, emphasized that this initiative facilitates the transition from study to real work. It is not easy to go from the classroom to the industry, but these awards give a boost that many await. Meanwhile, the Communication manager of the Tarragona Chemical Business Association, Roca Pujol, recalled that collaboration between university and business is essential to maintaining competitiveness and innovation in the chemical sector of the province.

The chemical industry of Tarragona, in search of new talent

Messer Ibérica and the commitment to the territory

Ernesto Rodríguez, technical director of Messer Ibérica, reiterated gratitude to URV and ETSEQ for the quality of the projects. He stated that the chemical industry in Tarragona is undergoing renewal and needs highly qualified professionals to face future challenges. Local talent is the key to achieving the most ambitious goals.

A bond that endures and grows

The Messer Awards are more than an annual prize: they are a platform that connects students with industry, an opportunity to demonstrate skills, and an open window for a sector that never stops evolving. If you are from Tarragona and passionate about chemistry, this is the moment to prove it.

The awarded projects are not only a recognition but a firm step toward consolidating a strong, innovative, and well-prepared chemical industry in the province of Tarragona.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

A team of researchers from Rovira i Virgili University has confirmed that the difference between body temperature and ambient temperature determines how this particle cloud disperses, with experimental data that could change the way we protect ourselves inside sensitive spaces in Tarragona and surrounding areas.

The role of temperature in the dispersion of respiratory aerosols

A simulator to understand transmission

When we cough or sneeze, our body expels microscopic particles capable of carrying viruses and bacteria. These aerosols are vectors of respiratory diseases, but their trajectory in the air is not easy to analyze.

URV researchers modified a simulator to heat the exhaled air to 37 °C and recreated controlled conditions inside a climate chamber at the Catalonia Energy Research Institute (IREC). They studied how aerosols behave at 27 °C, 17 °C, and 7 °C, combining different exhalation intensities and the involvement of the nose in the air outlet.

The effects of thermal contrast

The result? The greater the difference between the temperature of the expelled air and that of the environment, the more cohesive and farther the particle cloud is. This means that in a cold environment and with a person who has a fever, the risk of spreading contagious aerosols clearly increases.

The buoyancy forces generated by the temperature contrast alter the trajectory and maintain high concentrations for longer, which may facilitate these microorganisms reaching farther within indoor spaces.

The influence of the respiratory system and the environment

The nose, a key factor in dispersion

The research also confirms that the geometry of the respiratory system remains crucial. When air partially exits through the nose, the particle cloud spreads less horizontally but more vertically. In contrast, if the exhalation is only through the mouth, the cloud advances more in a straight line and may reach farther.

This interaction modifies dispersion patterns and further complicates risk prediction in enclosed spaces.

Additional variables to consider

Despite the progress, the actual behavior of aerosols also depends on other factors such as humidity, ventilation, and the persistence of suspended particles, which still require specific investigation, especially to adapt protocols to the reality of public and healthcare spaces in Tarragona.

It is important not to forget that URV has created a unique simulator that allows reproducing these conditions in a stable and repeatable way, providing valuable data to improve models and prevention measures.

Applications for safety in Tarragona and its province

Indoor spaces with high risk

The results of this study are especially relevant for schools, hospitals, laboratories, and public transport in Tarragona, where the risk of airborne contagion is higher. Knowing that temperature difference affects dispersion can help design better ventilation systems and safety protocols.

For example, adjusting the ambient temperature or better controlling air conditioning can reduce the concentration of infectious particles in enclosed areas.

Accessible protocols and prevention

The research highlights the need to consider body and environmental temperature to avoid outbreaks of respiratory diseases, especially during cold periods or winter, when people with fever are in cold environments.

In Tarragona, this information could be key to improving measures within the healthcare system and public transport, as well as for managing educational spaces, preventing a simple sneeze from becoming an amplified risk.

Temperature not only makes us cover up more, but also modifies the distance the virus can travel.

All in all, one more proof that prevention must proceed with eyes wide open, especially when cold and fever come together in the same space.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

The award ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Higher Technical School of Chemical Engineering (ETSEQ) in Tarragona, with the presence of representatives from the company and the university.

Winning design and awarded team

Technical project and evaluation criteria

The project that generated the most consensus among the evaluation committee is a design to optimize an acrylonitrile plant. The group of students stood out for their technical rigor and teamwork ability. Additionally, their oratory skills and clear defense of their ideas during the presentation were valued.

Team members

The team is made up of Gemma Marca Bergadà, Anna García Bel, Mario Aragonès Espínola, Daniel Arrabal Agramunt, Luis Contreras Cáceres, Biel García Munné, Clàudia Jacob Font, Alejandro Marín Garnica, Gabriel Palau i Aparicio, and Adriana Roldán Carro. All of them are in their third year at ETSEQ and are part of the CDIO program, which combines theory and practice.

Day at LyondellBasell and educational collaboration

Visit to the plant and the award

The prize allows the winners to visit LyondellBasell's facilities, see the plant in operation, and share experiences with active professionals in the sector. They will also receive a book on leadership and managing cultural differences, key tools for future engineers.

Commitment between university and company

ETSEQ and LyondellBasell maintain a teaching alliance that supports the practical training of students. This collaboration facilitates direct contact with the industrial sector, a necessity to prepare professionals aligned with the reality of the job market.

Award ceremony and institutional presence

Members of the presidential table

The event featured the presence of the URV rector, Josep Pallarès; Víctor Alfaro, representative of LyondellBasell; the director of ETSEQ, Ioannis Katakis; and professors Dieter-Thomas Boer and Joan Herrero, academic leaders who provided the university perspective.

Joint evaluation and assessment

The jury was composed of representatives from the company and ETSEQ, who valued everything from the technical quality to the students’ oral expression. The excellence of the winning project reflects the ability to adapt theory to real situations in the chemical sector.

The project has put Tarragona and URV on the map of chemical innovation, with an award that not only recognizes talent but also opens doors to the professional world.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

Currently, URV has 13 student associations and 2 alumni associations with their own legal personality, operating autonomously and accessing university resources to carry out projects and activities.

A growing and formalizing associative network

From informal groups to legal entities

Until a few years ago, student collectives combined various gatherings and formal associations. Now, all have adopted the legal form of an association, which allows them to manage themselves more freely and access support and spaces from the University.

This change has strengthened the presence of these groups within URV, which provides them with its own registry where they register and renew annually.

A boost to university life in Tarragona

The consolidation of the associations helps create a more participatory and lively atmosphere on the Tarragona campus. URV makes resources available to the entities that facilitate their work and promotes coexistence among students from different fields.

Without intervening in their internal management, the only institutional support is the Student Office, which acts as a single point of contact.

The largest and most visible collectives on the Tarragona campus

Els Pataquers and URBots, leaders in numbers

The casteller group Pataquers stands out with more than 300 members, being the largest collective at URV. They are followed by URBots, the robotics association with about 150 members, and the Biotechnologists and Health Sciences Students associations.

In total, more than 750 students actively participate in these groups, covering a very wide range of interests.

URVoltage, electric motors and lots of passion

URVoltage is one of the most active and visible associations in Tarragona. They work to develop and compete with an electric motorcycle worldwide, a milestone that requires great dedication and resource gathering.

This movement generates constant activity on campus, breaking the traditional study-and-class routine.

Groups with solid goals beyond visibility

Preparing iGEM Tarragona for Paris

The iGEM Tarragona group, made up of synthetic biology students, has dedicated three years to preparing their participation in the international iGEM competition in Paris, a global reference in this discipline.

Their work, less visible but very intense, places URV on the global stage of university research.

Promoting female talent and active university life

The EXISTIM association fosters cohesion and support among engineering students and works to boost female talent in a still very male-dominated field.

On the other hand, CODE URV, with computer science students, stands out for breaking the routine and encouraging active participation on campus.

With this variety of options, university life in Tarragona is not limited to classrooms but expands to spaces for meeting and personal growth.

All of this, with the coordinated support of a single institutional contact point, the Student Office, which centralizes procedures and facilitates the coordination of groups without intervening in their autonomy.

The reality is that URV has managed to weave a community of students who, beyond studies, find allies to share interests and foster a vibrant university life in Tarragona.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

On May 29th, at the Faculty of Tourism and Geography in Vila-seca, a conference was held that brought together 42 professors from the URV and other universities, willing to shake up educational models and strengthen collaboration between disciplines locally and beyond.

The meeting that shakes up teaching in Tarragona

A space to share and innovate

The Meeting on Innovation in Interdisciplinary University Teaching was not a mere ceremonial event. It was a clash of ideas and experiences among professors involved in projects that believe higher education must break down walls.

With the presence of members of the Network of Interdisciplinarity in Teaching and guests from other universities such as Girona or Barcelona, an atmosphere charged with energy was created, with debates and proposals to keep moving forward.

Inauguration with a strategic outlook

The inauguration emphasized interdisciplinarity as an essential response to today’s complex and changing contexts. Òscar Saladié, Dean of the Faculty, and Montse Pinent Armengol, Vice-Rector of Teaching Projects and Students, highlighted the need to connect teaching with the social and professional challenges faced by Tarragona and its province.

Coordinator Daniel Schorn García stressed interdisciplinarity as a pillar to transform university education, making it more relevant and applied to reality.

Keys to promoting interdisciplinarity at the URV

Shared work and common challenges

The day was divided into three working sessions that addressed the present and future of interdisciplinary teaching. The debate put conditions on the table that allow progress and persistent obstacles that hinder the expansion of this model.

The importance of creating coordination spaces between departments was highlighted, while avoiding bureaucracy and structural rigidity paralyzing promising initiatives.

Recognition and adapted evaluation

Another key issue was the need for clear institutional recognition that values interdisciplinary work. It was also stressed that flexible evaluation systems are needed that take into account the complexity involved in working across diverse disciplines.

These measures are essential so that interdisciplinary teaching ceases to be an exception and becomes the norm at the URV and in Tarragona.

Resources, experiences, and the future of interdisciplinary teaching

A network that grows and consolidates

The URV Network of Interdisciplinarity in Teaching has 48 members from 17 different departments, a living example of how the university in Tarragona is weaving a diverse and participatory academic community.

The role of faculty, technical staff, and students is fundamental to maintaining this momentum and generating more transversal and realistic learning.

Guides, good practices, and certifications

Judith Balanyà, network coordinator, presented key resources such as the guide for the interdisciplinary Final Degree Project, a collection of good practices, and a study on transversal competencies. In addition, the certification of interdisciplinary internships is proposed to give academic value to this methodology.

These efforts aim to ensure that Tarragona and the URV lead a change that connects knowledge and society in a tangible way.

The day concluded with the presentation of conclusions and documents that mark the path to continue advancing without losing focus: interdisciplinarity as a response to today’s social complexity.

It remains to be seen if, beyond good intentions, the URV and local institutions are willing to maintain this momentum. For now, the foundation is laid and the network is growing strongly.

Article source: Rovira i Virgili University

The ranking, which evaluates more than 21,000 universities, places the URV at position 623, making it the fifth best Catalan university and the seventeenth in Spain. This result puts Tarragona on the global university map with a prominence that the city and its metropolitan area rarely display.

URV's position in the CWUR global ranking

How the ranking is defined

The Center World University Rankings, based in the United Arab Emirates, does not limit itself to cold numbers: it measures the quality of teaching and research based on various indicators. These include the number of internationally awarded alumni, the employability of these graduates in high corporate positions, the quality of teaching and research staff with awards, and scientific output measured by articles, citations, and publications in high-impact journals.

URV in the Catalan and national context

At the Catalan level, URV is only behind UAB, UB, UPC, and UPF. At the national level, the ranking is led by prestigious Madrid and Catalan universities, but URV stands out as the main university reference of the province of Tarragona, a fact that is not always clearly reflected in the media or local policies.

Impact on the province of Tarragona and its surroundings

Visibility and academic attraction

URV’s presence in this global ranking positions Tarragona as a point of attraction for students and researchers. This recognition not only reinforces educational quality but also represents an economic and social boost for the city and the region. If you ever thought that Tarragona was just beaches and tourism, this is a reason to change your mind.

Repercussions in research and local employment

The recognition of URV for its research and teaching translates into more research projects, international collaborations, and employability of its graduates within the province. This also implies an increase in quality of life and job opportunities for young people from Tarragona who decide to stay or return after their studies.

Comparison with other universities and future perspectives

The ranking leaders and the gap with URV

The CWUR ranking is led by Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Cambridge, names everyone knows. URV, nonetheless, remains solid among the top 1,000 universities, which is already an achievement considering the volume of institutions analyzed. Tarragona can be proud to have a university competing at this level.

URV’s immediate future according to the ranking

With URV positioned in this place, the pressure to maintain and improve academic and research quality will be greater. The competition is not only Catalan or national but global. So everyone in Tarragona – from students to public institutions – has a challenge on the table: not to let URV drop even one place.

The reality is that Tarragona is closer than ever to a university that not only trains professionals but also makes noise worldwide. And this is not a minor detail around here.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

The works, coordinated by professors and researchers from Rovira i Virgili University, respond to global changes in the application of statistical physics, now essential to understand everything from social networks to pandemics. A milestone that reinforces URV’s role and its influence in the scientific field.

The articles that have placed Tarragona at the center of statistical physics

A pioneering look at human networks

The first article, published in 2003, was led by Roger Guimerà, Francesc Giralt, and Àlex Arenas. This work analyzes for the first time the structure of a real communication network within an organization with about 1,700 workers, through the emails exchanged.

This research has become a classic for the study of complex social systems and still serves today to validate mathematical models that explain human interactions on a global scale.

When physics explains pandemics

The second article, published in 2014, is the work of Clara Granell, Sergio Gómez, and Àlex Arenas. This study analyzed how different spreading processes compete and interact, such as diseases and information, across various networks.

The relevance of this work became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the need was shown to understand not only the disease’s transmission but also the diffusion of messages among the population.

Statistical physics and its evolution: from Tarragona to the world

A discipline that transcends borders

Traditionally focused on gases and magnetic systems, statistical physics has broadened its scope to include social systems or neural networks. Tarragona, through URV, has contributed with these articles an advanced vision that connects with recent Nobel prizes, such as Giorgio Parisi in 2021 and Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield in 2024, in recognition of these new applications.

Internationally recognized by the scientific community

The American Physical Society formalized the Division of Statistical and Nonlinear Physics, and the magazine Physical Review E selected these two articles as key works to understand the scientific evolution of the last 30 years.

This reinforces the prestige of URV, located in the province of Tarragona, and its weight in global research in physics and engineering.

Impact and local applications that reach far

URV research with global resonance

URV’s involvement in this area positions the province of Tarragona as a scientific focus that transcends its territory, with researchers working on problems of great complexity and global importance.

The studies led from Tarragona contribute to models applied in fields as diverse as public health, information technologies, and artificial intelligence.

A scientific engine for the region

These successes position URV and Tarragona not only as a center of academic excellence but as a hub of attraction for innovative projects and international collaborations.

A clear example that local research can have a reach that seems impossible.

The reality is that statistical physics in Tarragona is not just theoretical: it is the key to understanding phenomena that affect our society and the way we relate, inform, and protect ourselves. And this, who would have thought, comes from right here.

Article source: Rovira i Virgili University

This initiative, driven by 120 future Primary Education teachers, took place last Friday at the Sescelades campus, putting science and the environment into play through activities adapted to the interests and needs of the participating children.

A project that puts local teaching into practice

The origin of the project and its objective

The Science Fair is the final project of the subject Teaching and learning of experimental sciences, which is part of the second year of the Primary Education degree and the fourth year of the double degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education at URV. This activity allows students to have their first real contact with pupils, becoming teachers for a day.

The role of the Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology

Maite Novo, responsible professor, highlights that this experience is key for students to develop teaching skills in a real environment. It is, literally, an opportunity to test everything learned in a close and very local context: Tarragona.

Activities focused on biodiversity and the environment

Contents adapted to primary school students

The workshops were designed taking into account the demands and concerns of the students from local schools: Joan Roig, Sant Salvador, and Mare Nostrum. The scientific approach was adapted to the topics they are currently studying and the questions they ask themselves, making science accessible and interesting for the little ones.

An educational experience that mixes learning and fun

The workshops, which revolved around biodiversity, were not only theoretical but experimental. The children were able to interact with the environment and understand the natural richness that surrounds them, right on their own campus, a space many of them were unfamiliar with.

Local impact and future of the initiative

A bridge between the university and Tarragona’s schools

This Science Fair is a clear example of how URV works to establish strong connections with the local educational community, especially with the primary education centers in the province. The participation of 150 students and 120 university students evidences the scope and involvement that the project has.

Towards the consolidation of an innovative educational methodology

With this experience, the Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology positions itself as a benchmark in experimental teaching in Tarragona. The practical interaction between future teachers and primary school students promises to continue growing and adapting to local needs.

That biodiversity is the protagonist of a fair where active learning and citizen involvement are promoted speaks volumes about the educational trend in Tarragona: more than books, experiences.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University