UAM Logo PNG
The modern style of the Spanish university demonstrates its social status, autonomy, and high trust rating. In the latest emblem version, the UAM logo appears, symbolizing the transition to a new level while preserving important elements of the past identity.
UAM: Brand overview
UAM is the abbreviated name of the young Spanish university Universidad Autonoma de Madrid. It emerged in June 1968, during the capital educational reforms of the 60s/70s of the last century. Its legal status is autonomous and public. It has a very high trust rating. It ranks among the top 15 best higher education institutions in Europe. The university has several buildings located in Madrid and its surroundings. Teaching is conducted in eight faculties, including the legal one, which is the most prestigious in the country. The Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) began in 1968, and it was established during a period of educational reform under the Franco regime aimed at modernizing Spain’s higher education system. Initially operating from temporary facilities, UAM soon relocated to its permanent Cantoblanco campus in northern Madrid, launching faculties such as Philosophy and Humanities, Law, Economics, Medicine, and Natural Sciences. The university faced challenges early on, navigating political pressures and student unrest, yet strove to maintain academic independence. Following Spain’s transition to democracy, UAM entered a phase of growth and internationalization, introducing exchange programs and joining the Bologna Process to harmonize with European standards. In partnership with Universidad Complutense, UAM established the Madrid Science Park, a significant step toward enhancing its research capabilities. Recognized as a “Campus of International Excellence” for its joint initiatives with the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), UAM attracted further investment and global attention. Recent decades have seen continued development in research infrastructure, international collaboration, and educational innovation, reaffirming UAM’s position as one of Spain’s leading academic institutions.
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 was founded in 1968 in Spain and has since become a center for scientific research in the fields of 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 idea of diversity and autonomy of the university, where 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 acquired a high status and entered the top fifteen 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 crossed the 50-year threshold. 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 where the title fragments and monochromaticity were located. 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 is the abbreviation, where attention has shifted from “M” to “A.” It is much thinner than neighboring characters and has a wide underline. The palette has also changed and has become 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 northeastern part of the capital.
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 is a bear collecting fruits from a tall tree. Above them is a large crown covering the shield’s top part. It is detailed, with the highlighting of tines and precious inlaid stones.
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 color palette of the graphic sign is built on a combination of green, white, red, brown, black, and yellow colors.
Font and Colors
The university’s emblem features calm shades of blue and green, which evokes 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 continues to carry 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.