04.01 Vicent Villar Palasí

Vicente Villar Palasí (Valencia, 1920 – Barcelona, 1974) was a distinguished biochemist, academic, and university administrator. He earned a degree in Chemical Sciences from the Universitat de València and completed his doctorate under the supervision of Professor Santos Ruiz. He served as Professor of Biochemistry at the universities of Granada and Barcelona, where he developed a notable scientific career in the fields of biochemistry and higher education.

In 1970, he was appointed Rector of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, a position he held until 1973, when he was dismissed by order of Carrero Blanco. During this period, he also held institutional responsibilities as a city councillor and Second Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, as well as other representative positions connected with the educational and scientific development of the country.

In 1973, he founded and directed the Institut de Biologia Fonamental at the UAB, which would become a key centre for the training of biochemists and molecular biologists in Catalonia, making a decisive contribution to the advancement of biomedical research in the region.