UAM Logo PNG
The modern style of the Spanish university demonstrates its social status, autonomy, and high level of trust. In the latest emblem version, the UAM logo appears, symbolizing the transition to a new level while preserving important elements of the past identity.
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid was formally established on June 6, 1968, when the Spanish Council of Ministers approved Decree-Law 5/1968, which created new autonomous universities in Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao under the Minister José Luis Villar Palasí. The name appeared in an official order on August 13, 1968.
Classes began on October 24, 1968, with 1,173 students and 60 faculty members across five faculties, including law, philosophy, economics, sciences, and medicine. Without a campus, teaching was spread across Madrid.
In November 1970, the medical faculty opened near La Paz hospital, introducing a model that combined academic study with clinical practice in public hospitals. In 1971, the Cantoblanco campus opened outside the city, designed with an American-style layout and full student infrastructure.
From its early years, UAM followed the Humboldtian model, linking research and teaching, reinforced through cooperation with CSIC. The academic staff included figures such as Severo Ochoa, Margarita Salas, Nicolás Cabrera, and Alberto Sols.
In 1980, legal historian Francisco Tomás y Valiente joined the university and later served as president of Spain’s Constitutional Court. On February 14, 1996, he was killed by ETA in his office, an event that led to the annual “Music for Peace” concert. Among alumni is King Felipe VI, who studied law at UAM.
UAM developed alongside Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, competing within Spain’s public university system. In 2009, its partnership with CSIC gained International Campus of Excellence status. By 2018, the university marked its 50th anniversary with over 30,000 students, and in the QS World University Rankings 2026, it ranked 206th globally.
Meaning and History
The university has had only three names from its foundation to the present day.
What is UAM?
UAM is an abbreviation for Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. This university, founded in 1968 in Spain, has since become a center for scientific research in ecology and biomedicine. It is considered one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world and ranks high in international rankings.
1968 – 1986
The first logo dates back to 1968, the year the university opened. For a long time, it remained an unchanged monochrome. It’s a modest version with minimal visual information, where all attention is focused on the name.
The “Universidad Autonoma de Madrid” inscription is black-and-white or muted gray. The words are divided into two parts and arranged in tiers: the first consists of “Universidad Autonoma,” and the second is “De Madrid.” The upper part is on a light background, and the lower part is on a dark background. This design supports the university’s diversity and autonomy, in which each faculty is a separate structure with an independent worldview.
1986 – 2019
In 1986, the emblem was slightly updated. It now includes the abbreviation “UAM.” In this version, the letter “M” became the focal element. It looks like an abstract architectural form made with geometrically precise proportions. Originality is emphasized by monumentality and closeness to the “golden ratio,” as evidenced by the dotted line.
At the same time, the logo indicates a well-developed mathematics faculty, which was the most popular at the time. The university gained high status and entered the top 15 European leaders thanks to it. So, the “M” sign is more of a tribute. Thanks to its schematic construction, it looks voluminous.
2019 – today
In 2019, the management decided to radically change the corporate style, symbol, and logo as the educational institution reached its 50-year mark. But the basis remained the same: “Autonomous University of Madrid.” In the abbreviated version “UAM,” the symbols “U” and “M” are highlighted in bold font, and “A” in italics. In addition, the abbreviation has been removed from the top and placed to the right of the expanded university name.
The updated look of the emblem repeats some features of the previous sample – for example, the differentiation of fonts in the initials. The emblem left the frames that held the title fragments and monochromaticity. Openness and color appeared. Although the two-tier arrangement of lines has been preserved, they have received a new look – by the orthography with capital “U,” “A,” and “M.” The rest of the letters are lowercase and classic. The entire phrase is in blue.
At the top, the abbreviation has shifted from “M” to “A.” It is much thinner than neighboring characters and has a wide underline. The palette has also changed, becoming olive.
The number 50 was introduced into it, indicating the anniversary date. Two circles and a polygon surround it. The inscription “1968 – 2019” also emphasizes the anniversary. But the most interesting part is the polygon, which completes the figure’s composition. It unites the elements, makes the image whole, and even points to the location of the Cantoblanco campus in the capital’s northeast.
The Seal
The university has another important identifying mark – a coat of arms. It’s a shield of classic shape, divided into two halves. On the left, a blazing torch with a long handle. On the right, a bear collects fruit from a tall tree. Above them is a large crown covering the top of the shield. It is detailed, with tines and precious inlaid stones highlighted.
On the sides, everything is surrounded by a laurel or olive wreath of leaves, apparently torn from the tree located on one of the fragments. Below is the inscription “QUID VLTRA FACIAM?” on a narrow ribbon. The graphic sign’s color palette combines green, white, red, brown, black, and yellow.
Font and Colors
The university’s emblem features calm shades of blue and green, which evoke a sense of connection to the natural world, mutual trust, and renewal. The green is soft and organic, while the blue adds depth and a sense of steadiness. Together, they form a balanced and inviting visual tone.
The text is set in a classic serif typeface, similar in style to Garamond or Caslon. The letterforms are well-proportioned, with thin, even strokes that lend a sense of refinement and academic clarity. The font is elegant and easy to read, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation. Though the logo has been updated over time, it retains visual elements from earlier versions, preserving a link to the institution’s heritage. The result is a visual language that respects tradition while remaining relevant and contemporary.