The Jaume I University (UJI) hosted the official presentation of the Network of Chairs of the Valencian Public Social Services System. This initiative, promoted by the Conselleria de Serveis Socials, Família i Infància through the Valencian Institute for Training, Research, and Quality of Social Services, integrates the five public Valencian universities.
The event was attended by the regional minister Elena Albalat; the rector of the UJI, Jesús Lancis; and the Network Coordinator and director of the Chair at the University of Alicante, Víctor Giménez Bertomeu. Representatives from the University of Valencia, the Polytechnic University of Valencia, and the Miguel Hernández University of Elche also participated.
The conference served to showcase the work developed by the network since its creation and to highlight a collaborative model between the Generalitat Valenciana, public universities, and regional stakeholders. The objective is to strengthen the Valencian social services system through applied research, innovation, specialized training, and knowledge transfer.
The rector of the UJI, Jesús Lancis, emphasized that «alliances, research with social impact, and proximity to the territory are three values that define the university we aspire to be at the UJI». He underlined that the Social Services Chair exemplifies how the university can generate useful knowledge for society and place innovation at the service of the most vulnerable individuals.
Regional minister Elena Albalat stated that «research is what allows us to understand reality, identify shortcomings, and measure the impact of our actions». She added that «this network demonstrates that when knowledge is shared and coordinated, the public system gains intelligence, innovation capacity, and effectiveness».
The directors of the five university chairs presented the main lines of work and the results obtained in areas such as public policy evaluation, social innovation, improving care for vulnerable individuals, and developing tools to support the management and planning of social services.
The experience of the Jaume I University is particularly notable for its close ties to the region and the incorporation of research lines previously developed by the Benicarló-Vinaròs Social Services Laboratory. Within this framework, the chair has promoted projects focused on psychosocial aspects, technological innovation, and the reality of rural environments.
These initiatives have helped consolidate a collaboration network with professionals, local administrations, and third-sector entities from across the province of Castellón. Developed works include territorial diagnostics of the social services system, publication of open data on the status of these services in the province, and specific research on rural areas.
The network has also promoted innovative tools based on artificial intelligence and geographic information systems to support decision-making and improve the detection of vulnerability situations.
The event included an experience panel showcasing examples of collaboration between the university and social entities participating in the network's activities. Representatives from the municipalities of Benicarló and Vinaròs, as well as the Alt Maestrat Rural Development Center, shared joint actions and the benefits obtained for the municipalities and citizens.
The closing of the meeting was led by the regional secretary of Social Services, Family, and Childhood, Rosa Ferrando, along with the directors of the Chair at the Jaume I University, Raquel Agost and Miguel Ángel Gimeno.
