The University of Michigan is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and worldwide. It is public and renowned for its research activity. Catalan Jordi Ribas, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft and an internationally acclaimed expert in the field of artificial intelligence, together with his wife, Laura, has made possible the creation of a tenured professorship in Catalan Studies at the aforementioned university, through an entirely private financial endowment.

The Ribas Family Early Career Professorship in Catalan and Romance Studies represents the consolidation of teaching and research in Catalan Studies at the University of Michigan and amplifies its impact in North America. The donation ensures the existence of a permanent tenured professorship, with academic continuity, international projection, and a stable space for research and the dissemination of the Catalan language and culture. The agreement between the Ribas family, who reside in the state of Washington, and the University has already been approved and signed, and studies Are expected to commence in 2026.

The University of Michigan, ranked among the world’s top 25 universities according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, is part of the Xarxa Llull, the international university network of Catalan Studies. During the academic year 2023–2024, two courses in Catalan language and culture were offered there, with around thirty students enrolled. This initiative will strengthen the relationship between the University, the Institut Ramon Llull, and the other universities that make up the Llull Network. The Institut will intensify its collaboration with this institution, expanding the programme of cultural and academic activities related to Catalan.

The private endowment, in the form of academic grant, provides strength and sustainability to the international projection of Catalan culture. Such initiatives contribute to collective progress, opening new spaces for exchange and collaboration, while helping to preserve and disseminate cultural heritage, as well as fostering research and outreach.

The wish of the Ribas family is that this initiative should act as a small seed, and they will continue to work with the Institut Ramon Llull so that other Catalan families or foundations may be inspired to establish permanent tenured professorships in Catalan Studies at leading universities around the world.