Professor at UPF, researcher at the Center for Research in Health and Economics (CRES), and BSE Affiliated Professor.

His experience in the world of research focuses on applied microeconometrics, labour, sport and health economics, and the real estate market. In these areas, he has published over 100 articles and book chapters. 

He was director of the School of International Trade between 1995 and 2005 and president of the National Statistics Institute between 2008 and 2011. Currently, he sits on the editorial board of the journal Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy. Professor Garcia-Villar has been appointed a member of the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board (ESGAB) for 2018-2021.