Julio Abascal, B.Cs. in Physics (Universidad de Navarra, 1978) and Ph.D. in Informatics (Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 1987), is a Professor at the Computer Architecture and Technology Department of the University of the Basque Country, (Spain) where he has been working since 1981. In 1985 he co-founded the Laboratory of Human-Computer Interaction for Special Needs. His research activity focusses on the application of Human-Computer Interaction methods and techniques to Assistive Technology, including the design of ubiquitous, adaptive and accessible user interfaces. He also works on Assistive Robotics and Human-Robot Interaction applied to smart wheelchairs and portable articulated arms. He leads a research group that develops methods and tools to enhance physical and cognitive accessibility to the web.