The Camilo José Cela University (UCJC) of Madrid, belonging to the SEK educational institution, has this Friday named the researcher Emilio Lora-Tamayo, who suffers from a degenerative disease, honorary rector for life, in an event presided over by Queen Sofía, who has excited at the tribute.
Lora-Tamayo, 72, was rector of the UCJC for the last four years and concluded his term last September, when Héctor Escamilla took over.
The mother of Felipe VI has spoken a few brief words to recognize the work of Lora-Tamayo and the friendship they established in the years in which he was at the head of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) in two terms (2003-2004 and 2012- 2017).
“I will never forget the moments we have spent together in the Doñana preserve. They were wonderful days. Thank you very much for inviting me,” said the queen emeritus, who could not contain her emotion in front of Lora-Tamayo, who was affected by her illness. forced to go in a wheelchair.
Doña Sofía and Lora-Tamayo coincided on several of the visits that the queen made to the Doñana Biological Station, dependent on the CSIC, in the national park, the last one in April 2014.
At the end of the event, the queen emeritus held the hand of the honorary rector while he walked with his wheelchair to leave the room through its central corridor.
The naming ceremony was held on the Villafranca del Castillo campus, in the Madrid town of Villanueva de la Cañada, with the attendance of the president of SEK Education Group, Nieves Segovia, Escamilla and family members of the honoree.
Her son, Jaime Lora-Tamayo, spoke on her behalf, in a speech in which he thanked Queen Sofía for her presence, her “genuine interest in the progress of knowledge” and her “unwavering commitment to the values ??that underpin the progress of society.”
He also highlighted the importance that the honorary rector gave to the students: “Dedication and dedication by and for the student has always been at the center of all our actions (…) They are the engine that drives the greatness of our beloved Camilo José Cela University”.
The UCUJC has awarded the honoree the Gold Medal of this institution for his career in the four years in which he was rector.
An expert in innovation processes and knowledge transfer, Lora-Tamayo was also in charge of the Menéndez Pelayo International University in the 2017-18 academic year.
The president of SEK Education Group has announced the creation in her honor of the Emilio Lora-Tamayo Chair for research and efficient use of artificial intelligence.
