In his induction speech, Dr Gil spoke about the technological developments in oral implantology, which range from biologically inert to smart implants, the result of the work of the research group he directs. Fellow member Jaime Rodrigo de Larrucea, holder of a PhD in Law and Nautical Engineering, was charged with responding on behalf of the Royal Academy. 

Xavier Gil is a full professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, where he also held the position of vice-rector for Research and Scientific Policy and directed the Technical School of Industrial Engineering of Barcelona. He has also been a member of the Executive Committee of (R+D Sectorial) in representation of all vice-rectors for Research at Catalan universities, as well commissioner for the Government of Catalan on the project to develop the Diagonal-Besòs Campus. Dr Xavier Gil is UIC Barcelona’s fourth rector.