Could you briefly introduce yourself?
So, what’s the scoop? I’m Miguel Giménez-Moolhuyzen, from the University of Almería, and I’m thrilled to be part of this wild, wonderful adventure called UNIgreen. Officially, I wear a few hats: UNIgreen Project Manager and Coordinator of the Joint International Centre. Unofficially? I’m the resident firefighter, ready to quench any “emergency” flames that pop up!
My journey here was fueled by a lifelong obsession with agricultural innovation. While I love research, my real “happy place” was making sure those brainy results actually helped farmers thrive, both as business owners and guardians of our planet. Let’s face it: you might see a doctor once a year, but you eat every single day! In these crazy times, a resilient food system isn’t just a goal; it’s our recipe for survival.
Can you share a concrete way in which UNIgreen is having a positive impact?
Without downplaying its vital role in mapping out a path for other universities toward a greener, more innovative, and cutting-edge education, one that is sensitive to diversity and champions inclusivity, I must say the impact goes even deeper.
While it’s brilliant to have international mobility perfectly integrated with systemic research, the real magic is the positive impact on our corporate cultures. Seeing a true sense of belonging “soak in” across all levels of our institutions is a massive win. That feeling of shared responsibility isn’t just a goal; it’s a reality. It turns out that when we grow together, we don’t just change the curriculum, we change the community!
What’s a lesson you’ve learned from working with such a diverse and international team?
I’ve learned more than one. First, that the compatibility of governance structures within work teams is essential for a balanced work culture. Also, that people must be able to decide autonomously within their area of responsibility; overly vertical hierarchies can slow down the pace in a complex environment like UNIgreen. I’ve seen that quality assurance must be perfectly integrated into every process and, above all, that the personal relationship component is key. As someone mentioned at last year’s JIC meeting, I might end up sounding like a football coach. Perhaps one from the Champions League?
If UNIgreen were a plant, how would you describe it?
I’d describe us as a plant with consistent vegetative growth under the right conditions, yet resilient enough to thrive during adversity. We have low water and fertilizer needs highly efficient with our resources topped with a beautiful, striking bloom. Naturally, we’re heterogamous, ideally relying on entomophilous reproduction (I have a soft spot for bees and bumblebees!). To finish, our seeds would be designed for dispersal by the wind or birds! Perhaps we are some species of Crassulaceae or Cactaceae? Regardless, we’re built to last and spread far and wide.
