The head of the Universidade de Vigo, Carmen García Mateo, addressed the business and social representation present at the "Desayuno en círculo" (Breakfast in circle), organized by the Círculo de Empresarios de Galicia, to present her vision of the institution and its future plans. "Count on the Universidade de Vigo. Bring us challenges. Let's open more spaces for collaboration. Help us better understand what you need. And make this University your own", stated García Mateo, concluding her speech.
The president of the Círculo, María Borrás, introduced the rector, who was accompanied by the Vice-Rectors of Strategy, Governance, and Economy, Xosé H. Vázquez Vicente; of Academic Offer, Esther Pillado González; and the Manager, Ana María Comesaña Álvarez. García Mateo described UVigo as "a public, Galician, modern, excellent university with critical mass and proven capacity to compete", and recalled its figures: nearly 20,000 students, mobilizing around 45 million euros in 2025, 54 bachelor's degrees, 11 dual degree programs, 72 master's degrees, and 41 doctoral programs.
She detailed UVigo's multi-campus model, with specializations in Vigo (sea, engineering, industry, IT, biomedical), Ourense (water, thermalism, food, aerospace), and Pontevedra (creativity, communication, design, sports). García Mateo advocated for a University "profoundly connected with Vigo, Ourense, Pontevedra, and the entire society it serves", and presented the three guiding ideas of her government team: that all people matter, the transition from improvisation to solvency, and from fragmentation to a common project. She defended a "serene and close" leadership.
Her operational method is summarized in "prioritize; reorganize and simplify; execute; measure and be accountable", verbs that aim to "advance" and transform the University. She focused on three key areas: a stable horizon for financial and infrastructure planning, talent, and an academic offer that anticipates new realities and observes social, technological, and labor market evolution. "This also implies listening to the productive sector, not to train for a specific job, but to identify new profiles, competencies, and knowledge areas", she stated.
The rector also highlighted the importance of teaching innovation, integrating Artificial Intelligence "with criteria" and strengthening the connection between classrooms and businesses through quality internships, real challenges, dual training, and lifelong learning. "A living university needs new leadership; more women in decision-making spaces, more voices, and more shared responsibility", she concluded, asserting the pride of a "public and Galician university" that is an essential part of the identity and future of Vigo, Ourense, and Pontevedra.
