Carles Solà was born in Xàtiva, Valencia Province on 1 January 1945.

He awarded a PhD degree in Chemistry at the UV, he has carried out research in Biochemical Engineering with 130 publications, having tutored 22 doctoral theses and directed various research projects. He was Rector of the UAB (1994–2002). He was a lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the UAB.

President of the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (1996–1998). Member of the Executive Committee for the International Association of University Presidents (2000–2002). Member of the Board of the European University Association (2001–2005). Member of the Executive Committee of the Spanish Society of Biotechnology (2002–2006). Doctor Honoris Causa in Science from the University of Southampton (1999). Member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Member of ACPV. Member of the IEC.

• Martí Font, J M (19 January 2004). "Volveré a presentar a mi candidato para dirigir la Sociedad de la Información". ELPAÍS.com (in Spanish). Madrid: Ediciones El País. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
• A. P. G. / M. P. (1 October 2004). "El consejero Solà pide que el Estatut incluya la potestad de Cataluña para organizar su sistema universitario". ELPAÍS.com (in Spanish). Madrid: Ediciones El País. Retrieved 18 July 2010.