More than a thousand students in the URJC summer courses

rose marquez

More than a thousand students have gone through the XXIV edition of the URJC summer courses, which are coming to an end today. For two weeks, the university has opened its doors to bring knowledge closer to the public and disseminate, free of charge and enjoyable, the latest advances in highly topical topics, such as the circular economy, artificial intelligence or the development of vaccines. Some courses have started this year, while others are very old, such as 'Pain in 5 steps', which has been taught for a decade or the seminar 'Elections, governance and misinformation', which the university organizes together with the Association of Parliamentary journalists since 2008.

This edition has been more international than ever, with the participation of top-level speakers who have come from as far away as China, Australia or India. "We have had two courses supported by European projects, which is a difficult achievement to achieve, but essential for a university like Rey Juan Carlos, which is committed to the internationality of its teaching," explains Cristina del Prado, academic director of the Office of the Vice President for University Extension and responsible for the organization of the summer school. These courses have been 'Action COST PurpleGain', on the use of phototropic bacteria in wastewater treatment, and 'Security and protection of cultural heritage. Looking for synergies in the art market', which has been given in collaboration with the Casa de la Moneda.

Aranjuez has also had a special role. “We have once again strengthened this municipality, where the summer courses originally started. Among this year's proposals, the course dedicated to landscape has highlighted the importance of the Tagus River, with outdoor activities. The students have learned in the classroom, but they have also been able to enjoy the beauty that Aranjuez offers as a historical landscape”, says del Prado, who has already started working on the next call. “A very special edition awaits us because we celebrate 25 years of summer courses. We are the activity with the longest history within the university, no other has been taking place for so long without interruption. We have known how to adapt to the times and new technologies, but have preserved the spirit with which they were created in the year 2000”.

With the closure of the summer courses and its sights set on celebrating its 25th anniversary, the university reaffirms its commitment to accessible and quality education, while continuing its mission to adapt and grow to respond to ever-changing needs. of the society.