Highlights 2023-24

In 2024, the Department of Engineering celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking significant achievements in its vision to stay among the leading university departments in information and communication technologies.

Its research quality is evident through its members receiving the Catalan, Chilean, and Spanish National Research Awards. The unit continues to excel in European research programs, including its first ERC Synergy grant (first for UPF). The expansion of its computational cluster (aimed at becoming a scientific computing service for the whole university and externally) via a national competitive call also guarantees future access to top infrastructure.

The unit's second MdM program advances research by integrating AI and natural intelligence, aligning with UPF's well-being initiative. The program supports collaborative research among unit members and with other UPF departments, also organizing workshops, festivals and new educational programs.

The second strong focus on this period (systematizing support to innovation impact) is clear from the award of an EIC Transition grant (first in Catalonia), the creation of a new spin-off, several start-ups, and Europe's first Data Altruism Organization. Increased collaboration with key industrial players also includes two new large industrial chairs, direct contracts, and industrial doctoral programs. The unit's influence has grown through work with policymakers like the Joint Research Center and the Catalan Parliament. Its commitment to open science is showcased by the Freesound platform, which reached a total of almost 40 million downloads in this period. Furthermore, the unit has promoted high-quality educational initiatives, strongly aligned with its research, such as the start of an Erasmus Mundus program on AI.

Finally, the 25th-anniversary facilitated a significant redefinition of the unit's identity, including a comprehensive rebranding for a unified view of its offerings. A new communication officer has been hired to streamline communication efforts. The 25th-anniversary celebrations fostered a dynamic environment, connecting with the scientific community, companies, the public, and professionals through congresses, workshops, outreach activities, and artistic productions, with over 5,000 people participating in these events, designed to sustain over time. This broad activity propels the unit's vision of promoting and varied sustained impact across scientific domains, aligned with a common scientific vision.