Last Thursday, November 20, the 23rd edition of the AmicsUAB Awards Festival took place, an event organized by Amics de la UAB at the Casa de Convalescència of the Hospital de Sant Pau, which brought together more than 100 attendees. This celebration aimed to recognize excellence in various areas such as academic research, law, economics, communication and the defense of social and cultural values.
During the inauguration, the president of AmicsUAB, Susanna Baqué, reviewed the most outstanding advances of the entity during 2025, such as the alignment of AmicsUAB with the UAB's Unidiversitat campaign. She also highlighted the activities completed and the new projects of the entity such as NEXE360º and the Impacta project.
Like last year, the event included the award in collaboration with Escola Massana to recognize art and creativity. This year the Massana Prize went to Zoe Riestra Ruiz for her work Geometry of Learning, which symbolizes diversity within the university.
The Friend of Friends Awards recognized several people and institutions for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields. Among the awardees were Dr. Manuel Cachón (posthumously), in recognition of his career in the legal field, Dr. Immaculada Vilardell, for her work in teaching and university management, Dr. Maria Jesús Espuny for her professional career and her important work in a gender perspective, and Josep Maria Ganyet for his work and commitment in technological dissemination.
The UAB Collective Prize was also awarded to the European Documentation Center, for its commitment to the transfer of knowledge about the European Union.
Finally, the Friend of Libraries Award went to Dr. Daniel Rico, for his contribution to the preservation and dissemination of cultural and artistic heritage.
As a memento of their recognition, all the winners received a reproduction of the winning work of the Massana Prize, signed by the author, Zoe Riestra, as well as a trophy inspired by the AmicsUAB logo.
The event was attended by prominent authorities such as the Secretary General of the UAB, Esther Zapater, the President of the Social Council, Tània Nadal, the President of AmicsUAB herself, Susanna Baqué and the Director of Universities of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Mr. Miquel Soriano. The presentation was given by TV3 sports journalist Rafel Bagot, who trained at and referred to his close relationship with the UAB.
The ceremony culminated with a performance by the UAB Chamber Choir and an emotional interpretation of the university anthem Gaudeamus igitur that was accompanied by all attendees. And refreshments were served by the BonCor catering, where attendees were able to share moments of celebration in a relaxed atmosphere.
This edition of the AmicsUAB Awards Festival has consolidated its role as an essential platform for recognizing academic and social excellence, strengthening the links between the university, the academic sector and society.
At AmicsUAB, we sincerely thank the participation of the attendees, volunteers, sponsors and collaborators who have made this edition possible. In particular, we would like to thank the work of the volunteers of the UAB Organizational Communication degree and, as always, the support of Fujifilm, who accompany us for another year with our commitment to continue promoting social, academic and cultural values in future editions of the AmicsUAB Awards.
At AmicsUAB, we act with the social cause. The catering service at the end of the party was provided by BonCor, which stands out for its commitment to the employment of people at risk of social exclusion. We take these values into account in all our choices.
