Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) is a public university in Madrid, Spain, focused on engineering and architecture. It is newsworthy due to its recent conferral of an honorary doctorate ('honoris causa') upon retired tennis player Rafael Nadal. The investiture ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Nadal, in his acceptance speech, drew parallels between high-level sports and scientific research, emphasizing the importance of humility and self-criticism. This event highlights UPM's recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions in fields beyond academia, acknowledging Nadal's impact and achievements in the world of sports. The award serves to connect the university with a figure of national and international prominence.