Health and life sciences by the sea
Contra el genocidi i contra la violació dels drets humans, a Gaza i arreu del món
Peace comes when you talk to the person you most hate. And that’s where the courage of a leader comes.
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021), first recipient of an honorary doctorate from UPF
These words, spoken by Desmond Tutu, the first person ever to be awarded an honorary doctorate by UPF, are more applicable today than ever. The UPF condemns, and will always condemn, the use of violence to settle disputes. At UPF, we advocate approaching political or territorial conflicts based on dialogue and respect for all peoples and minorities.
As a university, we also want to show our support to the academic community in countries at war. Universities and scientific institutions are more necessary than ever in these regions. Access to education and the promotion of critical thinking, in the context of strong independent institutions, are the way to ensure the informed debate and reflection that can open the door to new avenues for finding solutions.
At UPF, we are aware of the university community’s concern for the human rights violations we are seeing in the conflicts around us. That is why on this website you will find information about campaigns and actions related to current conflicts, as well as opinion pieces and institutional statements. We also offer a dedicated e-mail address – [email protected] – to contact the university and let us know about your interests and concerns.
Health and life sciences by the sea
On Saturday April 22 the University’s Mar Campus is opening its doors to invite everyone to find out about its teaching activity. Throughout the morning, professionals and students will be organizing workshops related to the degrees in Human Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Medicine, Physiotherapy and Nursing. Children and adults will be able to visit the laboratories and classrooms and, through games and activities, learn about the teachings and applications of health and life sciences.
Seeing your own cells under the microscope, learning how to rescue a heart attack, observing live chick embryos, attending a master class in physical therapy or becoming a nursing professional are just a few of the many and varied workshops that will take place. In addition, there will also be briefings on some of the University’s degrees.
The University’s Mar Campus houses the Teaching Unit of the Mar Health Park of the Faculty of Medicine of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences of Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), the Mar Nursing School linked to Mar Hospital (ESIM-PSMAR).
This building, located in Dr. Aiguader street, is part of a pioneering interuniversity collaboration project in which five degrees are taught: Human Biology (UPF), Biomedical Engineering (UPF), Bioinformatics (ESCI-UPF) , Medicine (UPF-UAB), Physiotherapy (UAB) and Nursing (ESIM), in addition to the postgraduate studies offered. The direct link with Mar Hospital and the research centres located in the adjacent Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) make University Mar Campus a cluster of knowledge in which students have access to healthcare practices and research.
Check the programme and sign up for the activities here.
Related Assets
Catalan government
Catalan development cooperation aims to help prevent and respond to emergency situations. This page explains how you can collaborate on the provision of foreign aid both in general and to specific regions.
European Commission
Through cooperation and assistance programmes, the European Commission offers humanitarian aid and coordinates efforts with other international actors to promote peace and stability in war-torn regions.
Oxfam Intermón
Oxfam Intermón works in 90 countries. They have launched a fundraising campaign, which is more necessary than ever, given the magnitude of today’s wars. The NGO is also sponsoring a campaign to collect signatures to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a medical-humanitarian action organization that provides assistance in 70 countries to people threatened by armed conflicts, violence, epidemics or neglected diseases, natural disasters and exclusion from medical care. They have also promoted a campaign to collect signatures to ask for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Red Cross
The Red Cross also provides emergency humanitarian aid in regions in crisis.
Legal Clinic
The UPF Legal Clinic regularly holds talks and roundtables on the protection of human rights in crisis regions.
Libraries Without Borders
The Libraries Without Borders programme, sponsored by the Catalan Development Cooperation Agency (ACCD), offers Catalan public library patrons knowledge and insight into situations of human rights violations and provides resources to take action.
Council for At-Risk Academics
The Council for At-Risk Academics, in partnership with universities and higher education institutions, provides urgently-needed help to academics in immediate danger, those forced into exile, and many who choose to work on in their home countries despite serious risks.