The Higher Technical School of Engineering (ETSI) of the University of Seville and the Royal Sevillian Academy of Sciences held a moving event in memory and tribute to Professor José Domínguez Abascal, Pepón, professor of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Theory at the US, who died in 2024.

During the event, various personalities spoke, having shared stages of his life throughout his extensive professional career, including academic, business, institutional, and, of course, personal experiences. 

They spoke, recalling anecdotes and shared experiences with Professor Domínguez Abascal: Javier Aracil Santonja, professor of Systems Engineering and Automation at the US, professor emeritus, academic of the Royal Academy of Engineering, of which the honoree was a full member, and former director of the ETSi, from whom he sought advice to guide his academic career and with whom he lived those first years as a university professor; Manuel Doblaré Castellano, professor at the University of Zaragoza, colleague during his doctoral period in the group of Prof. Enrique Alarcón and with whom he shared the genesis of Abengoa Research, at the time when Pepón held the positions of Technical General Secretary and, later, President of Abengoa; Pelayo Domínguez Bohórquez, Pepón's son and graduate of the ETSi, who spoke a few words on behalf of the family; Antonio Gómez Expósito, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Seville, with whom he had close ties during his time as Secretary of State for Energy; Orlando Maeso Fortuny, professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, doctoral student and friend of Pepón; Miguel Ángel de la Rosa Acosta, professor of Biochemistry at the University of Seville and president of the Royal Seville Academy of Sciences, of which Pepón was a full member; and Andrés Sáez Pérez, director of the ETSi at the University of Seville, a disciple of Pepón, who maintained a close professional and personal relationship with the honoree throughout his life.

All of them praised the honoree's professional and personal career, with whom they maintained a close working and personal relationship over decades. Their speeches highlighted his commitment to teaching, his leadership skills, his innovative vision, and his decisive contribution to the development of engineering in Spain.

During the ceremony, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in the ETSi Board Room, in recognition of a key figure in structural engineering and university teaching.

About José Domínguez Abascal

An industrial engineer and professor of structures at the University of Seville, he was director of the ETSi (Technological Institute of Seville), a member of the Royal Seville Academy of Sciences, and a member of the Royal Academy of Engineering of Spain. He also served as president of Abengoa and Secretary of State for Energy (2018–2020). His legacy combines academic excellence, institutional leadership, and a firm commitment to innovation and sustainability.