On Friday, 30 June, fourth-year bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences students celebrated their graduation ceremony in the Aula Magna lecture theatre on the Barcelona Campus, led by Alfonso Méndiz, rector of UIC Barcelona, and with Ana Maiques, patron of the graduating class.

Dr Sara Hernández, head of students, welcomed the attendees and spoke a few words to her new colleagues, thanking them for their passion and entrepreneurial attitude during these 4 years. Then she introduced the graduating class patron, Ana Maiques.

Ana Maiques, cofounder and executive director of Neuroelectrics biomedical and biotechnology company, wanted to convey to recent graduates the keys to growing as biomedical professionals and the importance of research to have a positive impact on society. Maiques explained how the desire to improve people’s quality of life through neuroscience was the foundation of the core project of the company she founded, and this desire has contributed to helping numerous people with brain disorders around the world. In this sense, from her personal experience, the graduating class patron reminded them that the career of the entrepreneur “is not built based on vocation but based on decision” and encouraged the new alumni to “never limit yourselves, work very hard, learn from mistakes, and more than anything else, take care of yourself and your loved ones to have a balanced life.”

Next, student representatives Borja Millán and Yaiza Moreno gave a brief review of the four years at UIC Barcelona. Director of the bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Dr Rosalia Rodríguez spoke and praised the work of the newly graduated students. “You are a talented class, capable of taking on the health challenges facing our society. This is just the beginning; starting tomorrow, the biomedical profession, whatever the field, is a long-distant race that will always have new challenges and questions to be answered. You are more than ready to face this new adventure and these years have been nothing more than a training pill of what is to come.”

UIC Barcelona Rector Dr Alfonso Méndiz closed the ceremony drawing the graduates’ attention to the future. “This is a happy celebration that symbolises the beginning of a new stage full of dreams, expectations, challenges and much satisfaction; but sometimes, of heartaches as well. That is why the meaning you give to your work will determine how you face the bad times and how you value the good ones.”