About
Engineering space systems. Writing for the stage.
Miguel Ferrando-Rocher is an Associate Professor, antenna researcher, stage director and playwright. Born in Alcoy in 1985 and based in Valencia, his professional career moves between advanced engineering, university leadership and contemporary theatre.
His career brings together two demanding professional practices: antenna engineering for future communication and space systems, and the writing and direction of original theatre.
In science and engineering, his work extends from electromagnetic theory to manufactured and experimentally validated antenna hardware. He leads research in satellite communications, millimetre-wave systems, multibeam antennas, non-terrestrial networks and space-based aircraft surveillance.
In the performing arts, he has trained professionally in stage direction and dramaturgy, founded an independent theatre company and written and directed productions recognised by major Spanish performing-arts institutions and festivals.
Two parallel professional practices
Engineering · TheatreAdvanced antennas for terrestrial, aerial and orbital systems
His research addresses antenna architectures that must combine directivity, efficiency, bandwidth, coverage, mechanical robustness and manufacturability under demanding aerospace constraints.
His current agenda includes low-loss gap-waveguide hardware, multibeam satellite antennas, high-altitude platforms, non-terrestrial networks and the reception of ADS-B signals from low Earth orbit.
Original stage work shaped by real events and moral conflict
His plays frequently begin with real stories and examine responsibility, violence, ambition, failure, memory and the role of the spectator.
His stage practice combines writing, direction, ensemble leadership and the development of independent productions for professional theatres, festivals and cultural programmes.
University and scientific career
France · Sweden · SpainIETR–INSA Rennes
2012–2013Joined the Complex Radiation Systems Team and contributed to satellite reflectarray antenna technologies in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space in France and Italy.
Rennes, FranceAntennas and Propagation Laboratory
From 2013Began his research career at the APL of the iTEAM Research Institute, developing advanced antenna and passive microwave technologies.
UPV · ValenciaChalmers University of Technology
2016Visiting Researcher in Gothenburg, extending his international work in advanced antenna engineering and gap-waveguide technologies.
Gothenburg, SwedenUniversity of Alicante
2019–2022Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, Systems Engineering and Signal Theory, combining teaching with independent research leadership.
Alicante, SpainUniversitat Politècnica de València
2022–presentReturned to UPV in 2022 and was appointed tenured Associate Professor in 2023. He leads research projects, doctoral supervision, university teaching and industrial collaboration.
UPV · ValenciaInstitutional and professional leadership
2024–presentChair of the IEEE Spain Consultants Network and Deputy Director of iTEAM, with responsibilities spanning institutional relations, communication, innovation and knowledge transfer.
IEEE Spain · iTEAMScientific profile
Antennas and space systemsMiguel Ferrando-Rocher holds a degree and a PhD in Telecommunication Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de València and is an IEEE Senior Member.
His research has made sustained contributions to the practical development of gap-waveguide antenna technology and high-frequency full-metal components. His work covers feeding networks, shared apertures, monopulse systems, mechanically reconfigurable devices, multibeam arrays and antennas for satellite and aerial platforms.
He has authored more than 100 scientific publications and currently leads national, European and industry-driven research programmes. His work connects fundamental electromagnetics with prototype manufacturing, measurement, aerospace integration and technology transfer.
Selected scientific recognition
Research excellencePerforming-arts training
Direction and dramaturgyEscola Superior d’Art Dramàtic de València
He trained in Stage Direction and Dramaturgy at the Escola Superior d’Art Dramàtic de València between 2013 and 2018.
This training covered playwriting, stage direction, actor direction, dramatic analysis, staging, production processes and the development of original theatrical work.
He has continued his artistic development through workshops with leading Spanish playwrights and directors, combining formal education with sustained professional practice.
Groc Teatre
Independent creation since 2013In 2013, he co-founded Groc Teatre to develop original, independently produced stage work. The company’s productions often draw on real events and transform them into contemporary theatrical narratives.
Its early work included full-length and short-format productions presented at Teatro Agrícola de Alboraya, Teatro Rialto, Microteatro Valencia, Russafa Escènica and other Valencian venues and festivals.
Groc Teatre has since developed a sustained body of work combining documentary sources, fiction, ethical conflict and direct engagement with audiences.
Selected stage works
Written and directedGenovese
A play examining collective responsibility and social indifference through the murder of Kitty Genovese and its continuing moral and political resonance.
Premio MAX profileTourmalet
A theatrical exploration of ambition, rivalry, fragility and failure through the intertwined stories of professional cyclists.
Published editionÁurea
An original production developed within the Graners de Creació residency programme and presented at Espai Inestable in Valencia.
Graners de CreacióEl Inocente
A production inspired by the case of Pablo Ibar, addressing guilt, memory, judicial uncertainty and the construction of truth.
Production pageTheatre recognition
Productions and publicationPremio MAX del Público
Genovese received the 2019 Audience Award at the Premios MAX de las Artes Escénicas.
Escènia Jury Prize
Tourmalet received the Jury’s First Prize at the 2019 Escènia Foios national festival.
Published dramatic work
The Spanish-language edition of Tourmalet was published by La Caja Books with a foreword by Guillermo Ortiz.
Where science and theatre meet
Evidence · Narrative · ResponsibilityEngineering and theatre are distinct professions, but both require the construction of convincing structures from incomplete and sometimes contradictory evidence.
Scientific research demands explicit assumptions, experimental proof and the willingness to recognise error. Theatre demands narrative precision, collective work and an understanding of how people interpret uncertain situations.
This double practice shapes his approach to research leadership, university teaching, institutional communication and public engagement with science.
Professional profiles
Academic and artistic presenceA career built across disciplines
Miguel Ferrando-Rocher’s work combines experimental engineering, university leadership and professional theatre. Across these fields, the common objective is to build rigorous structures, confront uncertainty honestly and communicate ideas that matter beyond a specialist community.