Mallorca’s new university gets its first rector
Mallorca’s new university has its first rector: doctor Pere Riutord takes office at a ceremony in Palma, Mallorca, on Wednesday, 4 November. At the Balearic Islands Bar Association, he signs the formal record and receives the rector’s medal and staff from Balearic president Marga Prohens. Doctors from the new Universitat de Mallorca (UMAC) and other universities attend in academic robes.
A doctor from Felanitx
Riutord was born in Felanitx, Mallorca, in 1960. He has taught at the University of Barcelona and the Universitat de les Illes Balears, and most recently held academic management roles at ADEMA, a college affiliated with the latter.
The university’s first leadership team also takes office at the ceremony. It includes secretary-general Pilar Tomás.
Plans for the new university
Riutord wants research, innovation and work across different subjects to shape UMAC. He also plans a greater role for artificial intelligence and robotics in teaching and research, alongside discussion of their limits and ethical implications.
Prohens says the university could give young people in the Balearic Islands more options to study closer to home rather than leave for particular courses. She also wants UMAC to work with the Universitat de les Illes Balears.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com