Ricard Riba Garcia, new lecturer in the department

Trained at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, and at the University of Barcelona, where he completed a Master’s degree in Advanced Mathematics, Ricard Riba Garcia obtained his PhD in Mathematics from the UAB in October 2018 under the supervision of Professor Wolfgang Pitsch.

After completing his doctorate, he developed an academic career linked to the UAB as an associate lecturer for five years, combining teaching and research. At the same time, he worked as a Mathematics teacher in various secondary schools in Catalonia, teaching students in compulsory secondary education (ESO) and upper secondary education (Bachillerato).

In October 2024, he obtained a position as a visiting professor at the Department of Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics (IMAE) at the University of Girona, where he worked until joining the UPC.

His research focuses on low-dimensional topology, algebraic topology, quantum topology, and group theory. In particular, he is interested in the study of integral and rational homology 3-spheres and finite-type invariants.

These areas, situated at the intersection of algebra, topology, and geometry, constitute a central field in contemporary mathematics.

He currently collaborates with national researchers, such as Wolfgang Pitsch, and international researchers, such as Quentin Faes (France) and Charampolos Stylianakis (Greece). He also develops teaching materials in collaboration with Professor Irina Blazhievska from the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (Ukraine).

As a result of his scientific activity, he has presented results at various specialized seminars and conferences, both nationally and internationally, where he has been awarded several prizes for best poster.