"We are facing a challenge that concerns us as human beings, it is a problem of values that goes beyond the technological".

Paloma Grau, Vice President of research and Sustainability of the University of Navarra, has given a session entitled "Sustainability in an unsustainable world", at the invitation of group Women for Science and Technology of the University of Navarra and Campus Home.

The Vice President pointed out the essential role played by science and technology for social progress and to improve people's quality of life (for example, in areas such as medicine, energy sources and communications), and stressed that "to ensure sustainable growth we must guarantee that the economic aspect goes hand in hand with the social and environmental aspects".

For Grau, there is an imbalance in these three spheres, partly due to a crisis of values. "Science has to advance and improve our lives. But with science and technology alone we will not be able to solve the problem we have. We are facing a challenge that concerns us as human beings; it is a problem of values that goes beyond technology.

In the session, Grau pointed out the importance of studying and reflecting on environmental problems in order to form a balanced opinion, and also to seek solutions to them. The Vice President highlighted the relevance of adopting individual behavior manager both for the search for balance between human beings and the environment, and for the flourishing staff: "If I adopt attitudes (of respect for the environment) it will make me a better person".

On the other hand, Grau summarised the main lines of action of the University of Navarra for the coming years at subject sustainability (Strategy 2025), in terms of caring for people and the environment. The lecturer also highlighted the interdisciplinaryresearch carried out by the different Schools and centres, as well as the initiatives that arise from the students themselves. "The university is the ideal setting to address sustainability from the research: search for the truth, long-term vision deadline, and comprehensive solutions".

Other issues such as nuclear energy, programmed obsolescence, consumption and habits of citizens, as well as the contribution of women in solving environmental problems, have been addressed at lecture .  

Paloma Grau is an engineer Chemistry, PhD, and full professor at Tecnun University of Navarra. Since this academic year she is Vice President of research and Sustainability of the academic institution.