Last week, Arcadi Navarro, director of the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences (DCEXS) at UPF together with the rector of the University, Jaume Casals, were presented with the "María de Maeztu" distinction confirming the DCEXS as a Unit of Research Excellence by Carmen Vela, Secretary of State for Research, Development and Innovation .

The recognition, which involves funding of 500,000 euros a year for four years, is a new kind of distinction that helps to highlight the quality research conducted in smaller organizational structures than centres, located mainly at universities, and complements the "Severo Ochoa" distinctions, aimed at research centres.

When giving his thank you speech, Arcadi Navarro highlighted that "the vast majority of the research in Spain is conducted at universities, and with the "María de Maeztu" distinctions, for the first time there is recognition that universities can also perform high impact and quality research".

According to the Secretary of State for R&D, the eight centres and units distinguished yesterday stand out for the international impact of their scientific contributions and for their capacity for innovation and their close relationship with the social and economic environment.

E-news related:

The Department of Experimental and Health Sciences recognized as a "María de Maeztu" Unit of Excellence by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness