- The Rectorate of the University of La Laguna recently hosted the signing of the annual agreement by which the Fundación Cepsa Chair of Ecological Transition and Innovation renews, for the fifth consecutive year, its commitment to the university
The aim of this chair, directed by researcher Elena Pastor, is to develop teaching and research activities related to the subject, hold seminars and conferences, award scholarships and grants, and the now customary call for the Best Final Degree and Master's Thesis Awards.
The joint committee will now meet to establish the annual working plan, which aims, among other things, to increase awareness of the institutional chair among the university community. To this end, a multifunctional space has been created in the School of Engineering and Technology for shared use by the academic community.
The chair also intends to steer its course in 2022 towards topics more closely related to the ecological transition, the circular economy and research into renewable energies. Another clear objective is to attract talent, and on this point Fundación Cepsa is clear, as stated by its vice-president during the meeting, that the University of La Laguna is a key niche to attract the brightest students. The promotion of STEM degrees, the promotion of professional parity and the promotion of industrial doctorates are other objectives of this university chair.
Rosa Aguilar thanked Fundación Cepsa for its collaboration with the University of La Laguna to achieve a change in the production model and mentalities, understanding that "there can be no future without an ecological transition and a greater commitment of people." Íñigo Díaz de Espada said that this chair is of great importance because it represents an essential field of action for innovation and research, and it also constitutes a clear immersion in the university and social fabric of the Canary Islands.
The event was also attended by Elena Pastor, academic director; Juan Albino Méndez, vice-rector for Culture and Social Participation; Jesús Velasco, head of Corporate Relations Andalusia and the Canary Islands of the company and Belén Machado, head of Fundación Cepsa in the Canary Islands.
