JAVIER ALFONSO CENDÓN
I am Javier Alfonso Cendón, a proud father of Jorge and Mateo, associate professor in the field of engineering projects at the University of León, secretary of science, innovation, and universities of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), secretary general of the PSOE in León, and member of the Spanish Parliament (Congress of Deputies). On this page, I invite you to learn about my work and the ideals that inspire me to work tirelessly for a fairer, more united, and prosperous society, where everyone can reach their full potential and live with dignity. This space is also a way for us to connect, share ideas, and work together. The best is yet to come!
BIOGRAPHY
I was born in León on October 21, 1983, although my family roots are in El Bierzo. My father, Felipe, is from Lillo del Bierzo, and my mother, Encina, was from San Román de Bembibre, two places I carry in my heart. I studied at the Lope de Vega public school and the Juan del Enzina secondary school in León, where I made friendships that remain with me to this day and have been fundamental in my life.
My youth was marked by a strong social commitment. I actively participated in youth organizations and took on responsibilities in AEGEE, the Youth Department of UGT, and the European Trade Union Confederation Youth.
Since childhood, I have always enjoyed sports and had the opportunity to practice many disciplines. Although I can no longer dedicate as much time to it as I would like, athletics remains one of my greatest passions and something I enjoy whenever I have the chance.
Regarding my university education, I hold a degree in computer engineering from the University of León, and I had the opportunity to complete my final year and graduation project at Central Connecticut State University (United States). There, I discovered a different educational system and was able to improve my English. In 2009, I earned a PhD in engineering. Later, I expanded my education with a degree in marketing and three master’s degrees: an executive MBA from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, a master’s in renewable energy, and another in cybersecurity, both from the University of León.
My professional career at the university began as a research assistant, continued as an assistant professor, and ultimately led to earning a position as an associate professor. Additionally, I was awarded a Torres Quevedo contract, which allowed me to work for a year at INTECO, now known as INCIBE, developing R&D&I projects.
I share my life with Laura, my partner and fundamental support, and together we strive to provide our children, Jorge and Mateo, with a stable and enriching environment where they can grow happy, curious, and resilient.
TEACHING AND RESEARCH
I am an associate professor in the field of Engineering Projects, part of the Department of Mechanical, Computer, and Aerospace Engineering at the University of León.
Throughout my research career, I have led the BIOMAM research group, focusing my work primarily on bioinformatics and data mining. I have published numerous articles in scientific journals as well as in national and international conferences. Additionally, I have participated in various national and European projects, serving as principal investigator in several of them, such as the European ASASEC project at the University of León.
In the teaching field, I have over 10 years of experience teaching engineering-related courses at both undergraduate and master’s levels. I am currently supervising two doctoral theses. Furthermore, I led a teaching innovation group within the framework of the European Higher Education Area, an initiative aimed at strengthening students’ project management skills. I also participated in international programs, undertaking academic stays at the University of Minho (Portugal) and Xiangtan University (China). Additionally, I have directed several university extension and teacher training courses.
In the academic field, I have held various responsibilities at the University of León, including serving as secretary of the Department of Mechanical, Computer, and Aerospace Engineering, coordinating one of the semesters of the Computer Engineering degree, and acting as secretary of the Academic Committee of the Master’s in Industrial Engineering.
Currently, I am on special leave, combining my academic vocation with my political responsibilities.
POLITICS
Freedom, equality, solidarity, and social justice—the fundamental principles of socialist ideology—have been part of my family’s identity for generations. As a fourth-generation socialist, I am deeply aware of the cost of commitment: my great-grandfather Antonio paid the ultimate price, losing his life for defending these ideals, as he was executed during his struggle.
From my mother, Encina, founder and president of the Association for Studies on Repression in León (AERLE), I learned the importance of restoring the dignity of those who suffered injustices during Franco’s repression. In 2015, I had the honor of assuming the presidency of AERLE. From my father, Felipe, I learned the value of honest work, commitment to others, and the transformative power of politics to build a fairer society.
From an early age, I felt a deep political commitment, which led me to take on responsibilities as class delegate in many grades and as a student representative on my school’s governing board.
The figure of President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has always been an important reference for me, shaping my political path. His example and dedication to socialist values have been a constant source of inspiration.
I have been a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) since 2008, although I was always involved and actively collaborated with the party. Between 2012 and 2016, I served on the executive committee of the León branch as Secretary of Participation, Networks, and Innovation. In 2017, I was elected Secretary General of the PSOE in León, and in 2021, I was reelected for a second term.
When I assumed the provincial secretariat of the PSOE in León, together with an outstanding team, we set the goal of making the party the leading political force in León once again. This was key to regaining leadership of the Provincial Council, which had been paralyzed and outdated after 24 consecutive years of PP governance, hampering the development of our province. We achieved this goal in 2019 and consolidated it in 2023. We also strengthened the trust of the people of León in the PSOE, reclaiming the leadership of many municipalities and contributing to victories in the general and regional elections from León. Furthermore, we once again secured an absolute majority in the Bierzo Regional Council in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
During the 13th and 14th legislatures, I served as the Socialist Parliamentary Group’s spokesperson for Science and Innovation in the Congress of Deputies and acted as a rapporteur for the following legislative projects:
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The Law for the Transformation of the Financial System
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The General Telecommunications Law
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The Law on the Securities Markets and Investment Services
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The Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation
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The Organic Law of the University System
I also presided over the Spanish Parliamentary Delegation to the Conference on Stability, Economic Coordination, and Governance in the European Union (CECEG).
Since the 15th legislature, I have been a member of the leadership of the Socialist Parliamentary Group in the Congress of Deputies, where I coordinate plenary voting, ensure parliamentary discipline, and oversee territorial coordination. I also monitor several parliamentary committees.
At the 41st Federal Congress of the PSOE, held in Seville, Pedro Sánchez was reelected Secretary General, reaffirming his leadership of the party and his progressive vision for Spain. During the congress, I had the honor of joining the PSOE Federal Executive Committee as Secretary of Science, Innovation, and Universities.
CONTACT
As Secretary of Science, Innovation, and Universities of the PSOE, Secretary General of the PSOE in León, and Member of Parliament (Congress of Deputies), I keep this space open for you to share your questions, proposals, and initiatives regarding issues that affect our society and the common good.
My commitment is to provide an open and constructive channel for dialogue, where every voice and idea is heard and valued. Through this form, you can raise questions related to the province of León, science, innovation, universities, or the areas I oversee in the Congress of Deputies.
If you wish to discuss a topic in depth, you can request an in-person meeting. I will be happy to meet you at the PSOE headquarters in León, the PSOE headquarters on Ferraz Street, or the Congress of Deputies. Together, we can foster ideas and projects with a positive and transformative impact.
SEND ME A MESSAGE, AND I WILL REPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
PSOE de León
Calle 19 de octubre, 4
24008 León
Congreso de los Diputados
28071 Madrid