Julio Abascal

Publications Projects

Contact:

eMail: abascal.julio at gmail.com; Telephone: +34 635759304

Awards

  • National Computer Prize "Joé García Santesmases". Madrid, 2023. "For his pioneering work in the field of human-computer interaction, especially in accessibility, pursuing that computing guarantees the integration into the digital realm of all people, including those with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities. Also for his active participation in international forums which has contributed to put in value the indispensable contribution of this discipline to computer science."
  • "Diamond Award" of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE). Paris 2023. "It is a personal recognition, awarded for outstanding work in the advancement of assistive technology in Europe, inside or outside the Association, at the national or international level."
  • "Jesus Lores Award" of the Association of Person-Orderer Interaction (AIPO). Malaga 2021. "In recognition of his dedication to the promotion of IPO, of which he is a founding member and national and international inspiration in HCI both at teaching and researching."
  • International Federation for Information Processing Fellow, 2020. "Julio Abascal has been recognized as an IFIP Fellow for his work as a pioneer in the field of HCI in Spain and across Europe. IAIPO) collaborating with other universities in numerous research and teaching activities. His research in HCI and disability contributed to the international advancement of the field of universal accessibility."
  • International Federation for Information Processing TC 13 Pioneer, 2015, awarded by the General Assembly of the IIFIP. "To honour the greatest contributors to the development and growth of the field of human-computer interaction (HCI). An IFIP TC13 Pioneer in Human-Computer Interaction is one who [...] has made outstanding contributions to the educational, theoretical, technical, commercial or professional aspects of analysis, design, construction, evaluation and use of interactive systems. The criteria for the award include [...] being a HCI pioneer in the original meaning of the word, either in the area of HCI or in a local area (region or country) in the world."
  • International Federation for Information Processing Silver Core, awarded by the IFIP General Assembly. Budapest, 1998. "This award is conferred on those who have given exceptional service to IFIP."

Professional background

  • Research Grant at the Instituto Tecnológico de Postgraduados (Madrid), granted by Caja de Ahorros de Madrid. January-October 1981
  • Contracted by the University of the Basque Country/EHU in October 1981, where he held different positions
  • Full Professorship in Computer Architecture and Technology at the UPV-EHU from 2003 to 2021.
  • 18 contracts with the EC DG-XIII, from 1991, for assessment, planning, evaluation and review of projects, market studies, etc., for diverse European programs.
  • He has participated as a researcher in 14 R&D projects, and has directed another 22 national and international R&D projects with funding from:
    • Department of Industry of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa
    • Department of Industry (IMI) and Department of Universities and Research of the Basque Government
    • Ministry of Health and Social Security/IMSERSO, Ministry of Industry/MINECO, and Ministry of Science and Innovation of the Government of Spain.
    • Various R&D calls from the European Community

Publications

International committees membership

  • Spanish representative (1990-2018), Vice-Chair for Development and Equity, and Expert Member (2018-2021) in the Technical Committee TC 13 on Human-Computer Interaction of the International Federation for Information Processing
  • Founder and first president (199-1998) and member (1993-present) of the Working Group 13.3 on HCI and Disability of the International Federation for Information Processing
  • Member (1999-present) of the Working Group 13.1 of the  International Federation for Information Processing
  • Member of the Management Committee of COST219bis “Telecommunications: Access for disabled people and elderly”  CE-DGXIII (1998-2001)
  • Member of the Management Committee of COST219ter “Accessibility for All to Services and Terminals for Next Generation Networks” CE-DGXIII (2003-2006)
  • Member of the Comité Técnico en Tecnología de la Rehabilitación (COTTER) of the National Institute of Social Services (of the Ministry of Social Affairs)(2002-2003)
  • Member of the National Network of Centers of Excellence in Design for All (REDeACC)  for the European Design for All e-Accessibility Network, (EDeAN)
  • Member of the AIPO (Association of Human-Computer Interaction) Board of Directors (2000-2021)
  • One of 3 members of the ACM/SIGACCESS Award for Outstanding Contributions to Computing and Accessibility (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
  • One of 3 members of the ACM/SIGACCESS ASSETS Paper Impact Award (2011, 2012, 2013)
  • Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Cloud4All European Project (7th Framework Programme of the European Union) (2011-2015)
  • TC/HF (Technical Committee on Human Factors) European Telecommunications Standards Institute on Standardization of terminals for people with special needs (1990)

Membership in professional associations

  • IEEE Senior Member - 2020 (it is the highest applicable grade in IEEE. It requires experience reflecting professional maturity, and to show significant performance in professional practice)
  • ACM Senior Member - 2013 (the Senior Member Grade recognizes those ACM members who have demonstrated performance that sets them apart from their peers)