Andrés Martínez, new director of the Fuenlabrada School of Engineering

Raul Garcia Hemonnet

Andrés Martínez Fernández became the new director of the Fuenlabrada School of Engineering this morning. His inaugural address was marked by a tribute to his father, whom he called "my first literature teacher." In his speech, he made a strong defense of public universities: "Cutting university funding is to shackle those who impart knowledge and condemn society to darkness. Defending public universities is not a corporate gesture, it is a moral obligation; it is protecting the flame that has allowed us to progress as a country, and it is reminding decision-makers that a nation that extinguishes its flame will inevitably be lost in darkness."

Martínez wove his speech together by referencing stories from Classical Greece and reviewed all the degrees offered at the EIF. He emphasized the need to promote Aerospace Engineering, as well as to build technical and human networks for those training in Telecommunications. He also stressed the importance of working to find new ways to heal with Biomedical Engineering students and giving "movement and purpose," as the new director indicated, to the generations studying Robotics. Furthermore, he called for deciphering knowledge and supporting those studying Data Science and Engineering. Finally, he encouraged the creation of inspiring and enduring spaces with architecture students and fostered collaboration with future landscape architects to create harmony between humanity and nature.

Martínez also noted that this new responsibility represents "a challenge that I face with great enthusiasm and pride" and thanked his entire team, his two predecessors, and the teaching staff of the EIF.

Employability and Equality

The rector, Abraham Duarte, who accompanied the new director at the ceremony held in the Palm Room of the Fuenlabrada Library, pointed out that "the students who graduate from this school have a very high employability rate and are joining large companies," also enriching the local workforce.

On the other hand, she emphasized URJC's commitment to an inclusive model that promotes diversity and equal opportunities, and especially the inclusion of women in STEM fields. Proof of this is the fact that almost 40% of the students at the Fuenlabrada School of Engineering are women.