Dídac Ramírez has taken office as the UB rector
Today, Dr Dídac Ramírez took office as the rector of the UB, after obtaining 51.06 % of the weighted vote in the second round of the Rectorʼs Offices elections on 27th November and being consequently re-elected rector of the UB. The acting minister for Economics of the Government of Catalonia, Dr Andreu Mas-Colell, chaired the event, which took place in the boardroom of the rectorʼs office. The event was broadcast live through the video portal UBTV. The acting secretary of Universities and Research, Mr Antoni Castellà; the president of the Board of Trustees of the UB, Mr Salvador Alemany; and the previous rectors of the UB Dr Josep Maria Bricall, Dr Joan Tugores and Dr Màrius Rubiralta, among other authorities, also participated in the event. Tomorrow, Friday 14th December, the members of the new government designed by the rector will take office too, in an event that will take place at 1 p.m. in the boardroom of the rectorʼs office.
Today, Dr Dídac Ramírez took office as the rector of the UB, after obtaining 51.06 % of the weighted vote in the second round of the Rectorʼs Offices elections on 27th November and being consequently re-elected rector of the UB. The acting minister for Economics of the Government of Catalonia, Dr Andreu Mas-Colell, chaired the event, which took place in the boardroom of the rectorʼs office. The event was broadcast live through the video portal UBTV. The acting secretary of Universities and Research, Mr Antoni Castellà; the president of the Board of Trustees of the UB, Mr Salvador Alemany; and the previous rectors of the UB Dr Josep Maria Bricall, Dr Joan Tugores and Dr Màrius Rubiralta, among other authorities, also participated in the event. Tomorrow, Friday 14th December, the members of the new government designed by the rector will take office too, in an event that will take place at 1 p.m. in the boardroom of the rectorʼs office.
In relation with the Rectorʼs Offices elections, Ramírez admitted that they were “a moment to balance, listen to critics and renew programmes and teams”, and he thanked all university sectors “for their contributions”. During his second leading, Ramírez has committed himself “to continue a path of peaceful change, based on a scientific and humanistic model, that offers to our country the best public university characterised by quality and commitment”. He added: “We must bring the UB closer to society and create strong ties”. To achieve this goal, a promotion of International and social side of the University was proposed “in order to attract more resources and talent, to have more public presence and to give priority to people as the main element of our institution”. He also said that they are working to diversify the way to access: “Patronage, sponsorship, and agreements with enterprises constitute paths of commitment and trust with society”. Ramírez declared his will of continue leading the Catalan university system and working hard for a UB “in which an improve of quality and investment does not result in the detriment of human rights”.
On one hand, the president of the Board of Trustees of the UB, Salvador Alemany, remarked that the Rectorʼs Offices elections showed that “we have a society that, although it is aware of current difficulties, is able to mobilize to work for the university”. He also emphasized the importance of thinking about the future. In this sense, he expressed the strong will of society to work in cooperation for a common future, because “the progress of university is necessary for the progress of the country”.
On the other hand, the minister for Economics and Knowledge of the Government of Catalonia, Andreu Mas-Colell, after congratulating the rector, joined the defence of Catalan. He declared that universities have two important challenges, one economic and the other one legislative (LOMLOU). He remarked the important role that the UB has in Catalan public university System: “Is our sign in Europe and all over the world”, he said. “The importance of the UB is crucial. Rector, you have the power”, he concluded.
A second office leading the UB
Dídac Ramírez i Sarrió (Barcelona, 1946) holds the post of rector of the UB since 2008, and he is going to continue leading the UB in a second and last office for four years. He is also going to be the new rotating president of the Vives Network. He is professor at the Department of Mathematics for Economics, Finance and Actuarial Sciences of the Faculty of Economics and Business. He holds PhD degrees in Economics and Business Sciences and in Philosophy and Education Sciences from the UB. In 1973, he began his academic experience.
He is permanent member of the Royal Academy of Economic and Financial Sciences. He has wide experience in university management at the University of Barcelona, including the positions of vice-dean (1984-1989) and vice-rector for Economics and Administration (1990-1994). He has also held managing posts outside the UB: he has been president of the Catalan Society of Philosophy, treasurer of the FC Barcelona (2003), and member of the Board of Directors at the Quinta de Salut lʼAliança (2007).
He has published a great number of articles in journals and scientific monographs, supervised some doctoral theses, and been the main researcher in several national and European projects; he has also participated in different conferences about Economics and Philosophy. His last publication is a compilation book entitled Universitat, valors i societat (2012).