The University of Valencia stands out, at national and regional level, for its scientific productivity. Thus, according to the main international rankings, the University of Valencia ranks among the best: Incite places us in second position among Spanish universities, URAP and the Google Scholar Citations ranking in third and SC Imago in fifth. 

One of the objectives of the University of Valencia, in accordance with its Statutes, is to contribute to the development of Valencian society and productive fabric. These activities are developed through knowledge transfer and the practical application of our university community's research.

In order to strengthen the role of the University as an agent of change for innovation in Valencian society, the principal MªVicenta Mestre has appointed Pedro Carrasco, Full University Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, as the new University’s director of Innovation.

Dr. Carrasco holds a degree and doctorate in Biological Sciences from the University of Valencia. There he has developed an extensive management career in teaching, research and knowledge transfer.

Thus, he was Vice-dean of Studies at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, where he took part in the reform of the curricula of Biology and Biochemistry degrees. He also ran the University’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as the Master’s degree and Doctorate programmes in this areas of knowledge.

In scientific management, Dr. Pedro Carrasco was director of the Central Service for Experimental Research (SCSCIE) at the University of Valencia.

He was later Vice-principal for Research and Scientific Policies. As Vice-principal he chaired RUVID, the R&D and Innovation network of Valencian Universities.

Since 2013, Dr. Carrasco has been a member of the board (EXBO) of Food Nexus, the European association for the promotion of innovation, made up of universities, research centres and companies.

The new director of Innovation at the University of Valencia has completed research stages in different institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Michigan in the United States, as well as the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (Switzerland).

Dr. Carrasco’s appointment will reinforce the innovation and knowledge area at the University, especially in the leadership of high-tech business incubator project in the of agri-food sector awarded to the University of Valencia by the Spanish Council of Chambers of Commerce (INCIDE) using FEDER funds.

The Innovation Department will report to the Office of the Vice-principal for Innovation and Transfer, headed by Dr. Mª Dolores Real García, Full University Professor of Genetics at the University.