The Generalitat pays homage to Ramon Pascual
Ramon Pascual, physics professor and former rector of the UAB, as well as the main promoter behind the ALBA light synchrotron, was acknowledged for his achievements in an event celebrated at the Palace of the Generalitat which included the attendance of Rector Margarita Arboix.
The ceremony, organised by the Government's Secretary of Universities and Research, included the attendance of approximately one hundred people. Among them was UAB Rector Margarita Arboix, member of the ALBA Rector Council.
Also attending was Jordi Baiget, Catalan Minister for Business and Knowledge, who thanked Ramon Pascual for his work and dedication in making this project a reality. Carmen Vela, Spanish Secretary of State for Research, Development and Innovation, highlighted the importance of the ALBA Synchrotron as a unique scientific structure which allows internationalising and taking science and technology in Spain to a higher level. Caterina Biscari, Director of the ALBA Synchrotron, spoke on the perseverance, rigour and generosity of Ramon Pascual and his work. Former Minister of Finance Andreu Mas-Colell was in charge of putting the project into context for the attendants and Ramon's daughter, Anna Pascual, spoke on what the project meant for the family. Francesc Subirada, Director General for Research of the Government of Catalonia, also spoke at the ceremony.
Ramon Pascual received a small gift of appreciation and gave a speech to thank the organisers for the event. He also stressed the fact that the facilities still had room to grow and that there was the need to continue serving the over 1,000 users ALBA receives each year.
Many scientists and academics attended the event, including university rectors, directors of research centres, executive members of the ALBA Synchrotron and some of the first members to work at the facilities.
Ramon Pascual de Sans (Barcelona, 1942) studied physics at the University of Barcelona, where he received his degree in 1963. In 1969, he earned his PhD from the University of Valencia. He is specialist in quantum mechanics and in the theory of elementary particles, and he has been chair professor in Physics at the University of Zaragoza, the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, where he was also elected rector from 1986 to 1990 and where he still lectures as emeritus professor.
Throughout his professional career Ramon Pascual has received several awards, such as the Narcís Monturiol Award in 1991, the Sant Jordi Cross in 2011, and the Order of Alfonso X the Wise Commander in 2016. Today, he continues to collaborate with the ALBA Synchrotron and the Institute of High Energy Physics (IFAE) of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and is president of the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona (RACAB) since 2010.