Pedro Miguel Echenique highlights the cognitive, intellectual, and human value of science at the University

Physicist Pedro Miguel Echenique has defended the cognitive, economic, cultural, and aesthetic value of knowledge at the University of Navarra. The award of Asturias award , who gave a lecture by the Chair AGROChair of the Bioma Institute of the School Sciences, recalled that the 20th century was the "century of the triumph of science and technology," but warned that "reducing science to its internship dimension internship it."

Echenique, who also visited the University for the submission award #LabMeCrazy! Science Film Festival's award for Science"award , given by the Science Museum, pointed out that "science is not a fixed body of dogmas, but an intellectual and human adventure that has changed our conception of the world we live in." In his opinion, research "economically decisive, culturally crucial, and beautiful both aesthetically and intellectually."

In response to simplistic views, he has stated that science cannot be defined as a recipe or learned as a Closed method. "It demands excellence, freedom, and creativity. It seeks a scientific truth that is not absolute, but requires the conviction that it exists. It is neither authoritarian nor politically correct: it is flexible, empirical, and, above all, a collective endeavor," he remarked.

The physicist has argued that research advance on all fronts. "We don't know what the future holds, so we have to be prepared with an arsenal of possibilities," he said. In this context, he has advocated for scientists to take responsibility for strategic decision-making on science, regardless of whether the funding comes from public or private sources. Using a metaphor, he pointed out that "the one who pays for the orchestra does not necessarily get to choose the song," because otherwise they might find themselves without musicians willing to perform it.

Wealth depends on knowledge

Echenique argued that in order to foster creativity, it is essential to trust people, promote partnership, take risks, and guarantee freedom, even to make mistakes, as well as strongly supporting young talent. He also addressed the relationship between universities, research prosperity. He emphasized that knowledge increasingly decisive for prosperity, since "the wealth of nations will depend on the wealth of knowledge."

Regarding Education, the Navarran physicist pointed out that training should balance skill and creativity, while defending the importance of a solid foundation and the essential role of faculty transmitting a passion for science.

Finally, he called for solidarity with the younger generations. "Young people," he emphasized, "will face challenges that are more complex than those we face today, but they should not fear them: they will be better prepared if society provides them with the necessary tools."

Born in Isaba in 1950, Echenique holds doctorates from the University of Cambridge and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and is Full Professor of subject Physics at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU. He has chaired the Donostia International Physics Center and CIC Nanogune, and is renowned for his work in promoting science as an economic and cultural driver. Among his many awards is the award of Asturiasaward (1998).