The Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO) held the official opening ceremony for the 2026–2027 academic year—a ceremony that reviewed the main achievements of the 2025–2026 academic year and highlighted the institution’s challenges and priorities for the new academic year.
During the presentation of the academic report for the 2025–2026 academic year, UNEATLANTICO’s secretary general, Jesús Peña, highlighted the major milestones achieved by the institution during the past academic year, which was marked by growth in its academic, research, and international activities.
2025–2026 Academic Year Milestones
In the area of research, 202 scientific publications were published last academic year in high-quality, high-impact journals covering various fields of study, including biomedicine, communication, engineering, food science, physical education and sports, psychology, social sciences, and education. In addition, the University secured eight national and international projects, with funding totaling nearly €1.5 million.
Among the notable initiatives is the leadership of MAHINE, a European project aiming to strengthen training and international cooperation in the fields of nutrition, agronomy, and health. The development of research projects related to the impact of generative artificial intelligence was also highlighted, as were other initiatives linked to sports and collaboration with companies and institutions.
In the academic field, the University added the Degree in Technical Architecture, the Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, the Master’s Degree in Neuroeducation and Social-Emotional Well-Being Research, and the Doctorate in Food Science and Human Nutrition to its academic offering.
International dimension is another of the University’s core areas. During the 2025–2026 academic year. Of the total number of students enrolled in degree programs at UNEATLANTICO last academic year, international students accounted for 50.5%, hailing from more than 40 countries, making it the 2nd most internationalized university in Spain.
In this regard, last September, UNEATLANTICO inaugurated the Atlantic Institute of Digital Culture at Shandong University of Political Science and Youth (SDYU), a higher education institution located in Jinan, China. The launch of this joint campus marks a milestone for Spanish higher education and, in particular, for Cantabria, as it makes UNEATLANTICO the first private Spanish university and the fifth Spanish university overall to reach an agreement of this kind in China.
“Alongside these impressive figures, there are others of which we should also be proud—those representing all the students and families from Cantabria and the rest of Spain who place their trust in us every year and account for around 75% of new undergraduate enrollments,” Peña noted.
The event also included the presentation of the Universidad Europea del Atlántico Medal of Honor to Nestlé La Penilla, which was accepted by its director of Human Resources, Silvia Carballo. This award recognizes the factory’s trajectory, its ties to Cantabria, and its contribution to the agri-food sector, as well as its ongoing collaboration with UNEATLANTICO.
In addition, the ceremony featured the inaugural lecture, delivered by the professor and director of the UNEATLANTICO Doctoral School, Dr. Miguel López Coronado, titled “Data: The Driving Force Behind Today’s Society”. During his remarks, he discussed the role of data in digital transformation, its ability to generate knowledge, and the implications of its use in today’s society.
Awards for the Top Academic Records of the 2025–2026 Academic Year
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of awards for the best academic records of the 2025–2026 academic year. With this award, UNEATLANTICO recognizes the effort, dedication, and academic achievements of the students who have earned the highest grades in the University’s various degree programs.
Faculty of Health Sciences
Dr. Sandra Sumalla, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, presented the awards for the best academic record of the Degree in Gastronomic Sciences and the Degree in Food Science and Technology (CTA) to Celia Royo and Álvaro Ruiz Andrés, respectively. The latter also received the award for the best academic record in the Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (NHD) from Dr. Iñaki Elío
For his part, Dr. Juan Luis Martín presented the award to Beatriz Regaño for the Master’s Degree in General Health Psychology.
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Dr. Helena Garay, academic director of the Degree in Audiovisual Communication (CA), presented the award to Blanca de la Serna, as well as to Arturo Fernández, for the Degree in Journalism (PER), and to Carmen Marina Laínz, from the Degree in Advertising and Public Relations (PRP).
In the Degree in Primary Education (EP), Dr. Josep Alemany presented the award to Elia Ortiz. He was also responsible for recognizing Soraya Rodríguez, who had the best academic record in the Master’s Degree in Teacher Training.
Dr. Cristina Mazas presented the award for the best academic record to Blanca Asensio from the Degree in Translation and Interpretation (TI).
Higher Polytechnic School
Emilio Casuso, academic director of the Degree in Agro-Food Engineering (IIAA), presented the award to Lola Carmona.
In the Degree in Industrial Organization Engineering (IOI), Dr. Jorge Crespo presented the award for the best academic record to Eduardo Vicente Olea.
Likewise, Manuel Masías, academic director of the Degree in Computer Engineering (II), recognized Javier Enrique Cáder as having the best academic record.
With this event, UNEATLANTICO officially kicks off the 2026–2027 academic year, reinforcing its priorities in the areas of education, research, internationalization, and collaboration with businesses and institutions, and highlighting both the achievements of the past academic year and the university community’s commitment to academic excellence.