"The Congress is a great opportunity to generate new collaborations and connect with a specialized international network"

In addition, this edition holds special value because of its commemorative nature. We want UJI to become a space for meeting, knowledge exchange, and celebration of a trajectory consolidated over three decades.

From the perspective of the local organization, what are the main challenges in preparing an international event of this magnitude?

The main challenge is coordinating all scientific, logistical, and institutional aspects so that the Congress runs smoothly and provides a high-quality experience for attendees.

This edition also carries a special motivation due to the 30th anniversary. This means paying attention not only to the academic program, but also to commemorative activities, networking spaces, and all those details that make a congress truly memorable.

What value does hosting this Congress bring to the university community — students, faculty, and researchers?

The Congress brings tremendous value to the university community. For faculty members and researchers, it represents an opportunity to share results, generate new collaborations, and connect with an international specialized network.

For students, it will also be a highly enriching experience. UJI will have 13 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students participating as volunteers, supporting the organization and assisting attendees. This will allow them to experience firsthand the management of an international event and gain closer insight into the professional field of project management.

What is the role of Universitat Jaume I in the organization of the Congress?

The involvement of Universitat Jaume I has been fundamental in making this edition possible. We have the support of the School of Technology and Experimental Sciences (ESTCE), which provides classrooms, facilities, audiovisual resources, and technical support for the sessions.

In addition, other university units are also participating, including the Vice-Rectorate for Research, the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, the bp Chair for Industrial Environment, the FACSA Chair for Innovation in the Integrated Water Cycle, and the Fundación Torrecid Classroom for Leadership and Innovation.

I would also highlight the collaboration of the UJI Technical Office for Works and Projects, which will organize a guided tour of the campus service gallery — a unique engineering infrastructure integrating the university’s main facilities and enabling maintenance without interfering with daily campus activities.

From a regional perspective, what impact do you believe the Congress will have on Castellón de la Plana and its surroundings?

The Congress will have a positive impact on Castellón de la Plana, as it will bring together researchers, academics, professionals, and institutions from different locations over several days, helping position the city as a venue for high-level international events.

We are also grateful for the collaboration of the Castellón City Council, which will host an institutional reception for congress participants. In addition, a guided city tour and the closing dinner at the Royal Yacht Club of Castellón have been planned, allowing attendees to discover the Grao district, the coastal environment, and some of the city’s most representative locations.

We want our visitors to leave with a positive impression of both UJI and Castellón and its surroundings.

Organizing a Congress also means paying attention to details. Is there any particular initiative from this edition that you are especially excited about?

I am especially excited about everything related to the commemorative nature of this 30^th edition. On July 7^th, the session “30 Years of CIDIP: From Origins to the Future” will take place — a space designed to recognize the Congress trajectory and connect experienced professionals with new generations.

I would also highlight the workshop “Your Idea in 60 Seconds”, aimed at strengthening communication skills among young professionals, as well as the technical visit to the UJI service gallery.

In addition, the opening and closing sessions will feature highly relevant speakers such as Eveline Lemke, a European reference in circular economy, systems thinking, and energy transition, and Elena Moral Grande, an expert in project management and large-scale engineering and infrastructure projects.

As hosts, what message would you like to share with attendees visiting Universitat Jaume I during the Congress?

I would like to tell them that we are looking forward to welcoming them to Universitat Jaume I and Castellón de la Plana. We want them to feel welcome and to find at UJI an open space for sharing knowledge, building connections, and enjoying a very special edition of the Congress.

The 30th edition of CIDIP/ICPME is an opportunity to celebrate everything built over the years while also looking toward the future of project management and engineering.

It will be a pleasure to welcome them and share this anniversary with all of them.