Marta Otero i Viñas, director of the UVic-UCC Doctoral School, has been proposed as the next rector of the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) in Vic. If confirmed, Otero, a biochemist, would be the first woman to lead the institution.
Otero, born in Campdevànol in 1975, is set to replace Josep Eladi Baños, who has served as rector since 2018. Baños renewed his mandate in 2022 but is unable to seek a third term under current regulations. His tenure will conclude at the end of the current academic year.
Otero's Extensive Academic Background
A doctor in biochemistry and molecular biology, Otero has a long history with the University of Vic. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she has held various management positions within the university. She coordinates a research group focused on the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues and is a member of the ethics committee. Until recently, she also coordinated the doctoral programme for medicine and biomedical sciences.
Before the establishment of UVic-UCC, Otero served as Vice-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer at the University of Vic. Her proposed appointment has been put forward by the selection committee to the executive board of the Balmes University Foundation of Vic, which holds the authority to choose the rector.
Confirmation Process Underway
The foundation's board must now accept the proposal. Ultimately, an extraordinary university council, likely to convene on 27 May, will need to validate the appointment. If approved, Otero will officially become the new rector of UVic-UCC, which includes UManresa.
Since its formation in 2014, UVic-UCC has had two rectors: Jordi Montaña (2010-2018) and Josep Eladi Baños (2018-2026). Earlier rectors of the University of Vic included Ricard Torrents (1997-2002), David Serrat (2002-2006), and Assumpta Fargas (2006-2010).
The selection committee, comprising eleven individuals familiar with UVic-UCC, first met in January to formally constitute itself. Among its members is Sílvia Mas Sañé, a doctor in Philosophy and Letters and deputy general director of the Bages University Foundation.
