The EDUCA EDTECH Foundation has formalised the creation of its Advisory Committee on Academic Innovation, an advisory body established with the aim of to promote excellence, innovation and digital transformation in the field of education.
This Committee has established itself as a forum for leading professionals in education, research and technological innovation, with a common goal: to design projects with social and academic impact that contribute to a more inclusive, modern and sustainable education.
A day dedicated to educational innovation
The inaugural ceremony took place at the Foundation’s headquarters and began with an official welcome from Rafael García-Parrado, Vice-Chair of the Foundation and CEO of EDUCA EDTECH Group, and Viridiana López, Director of the Foundation, who were given a tour of the premises and reviewed the organisation’s key milestones since its inception.
The members of the Advisory Committee were then introduced; all of them renowned experts in the fields of education and science, who shared their areas of research and proposals for collaboration.
“This Committee was established with a clear purpose: to bring together knowledge, experience and vision to make educational innovation a tool for real transformation,” he emphasised Rafael García-Parrado.
A body with a strategic and collaborative vision
During the session, the following were reviewed: institutional objectives of the Foundation, and the following were approved: operational dynamics of the Committee, which will hold regular meetings and have clearly defined minutes and roles. The inclusion of new strategic profiles in future calls for applications was also proposed, with a view to expanding the network of experts and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Committee members identified three key areas of focus for the 2025–2026 academic year:
- Awards and grants: promotion of programmes that recognise academic excellence and facilitate access to education, presented by Isidoro González.
- Applied research and scientific partnerships: promoting collaboration with universities and research centres, led by Aitor Curiel.
- Educational innovation, artificial intelligence and training for key groups: the development of projects that combine technology and equity, coordinated by Miguel Ángel Martí.
“Innovation must always go hand in hand with inclusion and equity. Only in this way can we build a sustainable and meaningful educational model,” he said Miguel Ángel Martí Escolano, an expert in higher education and currently Director of UNIMIAMI.
Members of the Advisory Committee
The members of the Advisory Committee on Academic Innovation are:
Dr Aitor Curiel López de Arcaute, a doctor specialising in legal and forensic medicine, a criminologist and a criminal investigator.
Recognised as one of Spain’s leading figures in the study of “autograms” and criminology. With a long and distinguished career, Aitor has achieved numerous professional milestones, including awards such as the Gold Medal for Academic and Professional Merit from the International Institute of Applied Criminalistics, amongst others.
Dr Isidoro González Gallego, Professor Emeritus of Social Sciences Education at the University of Valladolid (UVA).
He has made a significant contribution to the fields of History and History Education. He has authored over 250 books and academic articles and has lectured at more than 20 universities across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Over the course of his long career, Isidoro has achieved many professional milestones, including serving as the first Vice-Chancellor of Isabel I University in 2012.
Dr Florencio Vicente Castro, Professor of Psychology at the University of Extremadura (UEx).
Specialising in Developmental and Positive Psychology. He is the chairman and founder of INFAD, an organisation dedicated to children, young people, older people and people with disabilities. It has been awarded the Juan Huarte de San Juan Prize and the Achondroplasia Confederation Award, convinced that “what is not known does not exist”.
Miguel Ángel Martí Escolano, an expert in higher education and currently Director of UNIMIAMI.
A professional with extensive experience in higher education management, international academic development and strategic marketing. He has achieved several professional milestones, notably serving as Head of Academic Training in International Marketing and as a university lecturer.
A shared commitment to the future of education
The day ended with the official declaration marking the start of operations of the Council and the awards ceremony to its members. It was also confirmed that the next meeting will take place in January 2026.
With the establishment of this body, the EDUCA EDTECH Foundation reinforces its commitment to the educational transformation, digital inclusion and research applied to talent development, fundamental pillars for building the future and transforming the present.
