Ricardo Ramírez, Eugenio Vogel and Dora Altbir received the XXII Symposium Medal of the Chilean Physics Society.
At its XXII Annual Symposium, the Chilean Physics Society paid tribute to three CEDENNA members for their contributions to the development of this discipline in the country: Drs. Ricardo Ramírez and Eugenio Vogel, who received the SOCHIFI Medal in gratitude for their constant efforts in developing research and training new generations; and Dr. Dora Altbir, 2019 National Prize in Exact Sciences winner, in recognition of her contribution to extending the frontiers of physics towards nanoscience and nanotechnology, preparing our country to face the so-called industrial revolution of the 21st century.
In presenting the awardees, the hosts also highlighted the qualities that have made them an inspiration for younger researchers: Dr. Eugenio Vogel Matamala’s teaching vocation, Dr. Ricardo Ramírez Leiva’s tireless efforts to find new ways for science to contribute to Chile, and the achievements that made Dr. Dora Altbir Drullinsky the 2019 National Prize in Exact Sciences winner.
Committed to the future
“This SOCHIFI recognition does justice to a true multifaceted driving force of Chilean physics, who effectively helped take it from a completely amateur level to being part of the vanguard of the international scientific community and who, having achieved this, did not hesitate to embark on new scientific and business paths,” stressed Dr. Miguel Kiwi when presenting the commemorative medal to Dr. Ricardo Ramírez. “He has been a relevant player in Chilean physics over the last half century. This SOCHIFI recognition does justice to an outstanding pioneer who has successfully combined quality science with management and administrative duties,” he concluded.
Dr. Juan Escrig then presented the medal awarded to Dr. Eugenio Vogel: “Although his academic career is widely recognized, I would especially like to highlight his most prominent role as a science communicator,” he said after listing Dr. Vogel’s many efforts in this regard, all the more remarkable since they are initiatives arising from the Araucanía Region.
Science in Chile
In thanking their peers for these awards, both Dora Altbir and Ricardo Ramírez emphasized the great challenges science currently faces. “The current situation is quite difficult for science in Chile, which, incidentally, is not much news. Research budgets have always been very meager and it will be very difficult to really improve them. Hopefully governments will react, but I really think it is just a reflection of a society that still does not give science the importance it has for the country,” acknowledged Dr. Ramírez.
“Lately I have devoted myself to technology transfer, because I believe it is a possible way to demonstrate the value science has for the country. And with the hope, perhaps a utopia, that in the long run Chilean society will realize that science ‘is good for
something’, like art,” he concluded.
The current state of this discipline is the result of the work of many generations of researchers and scientists over several decades, stressed Dr. Altbir. “The challenges we face today are different, but no less important, because we have the responsibility to demonstrate the importance of basic science for our country’s development and the need for long-term policies, which unfortunately we have not yet achieved.”
The director of the Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology CEDENNA listed the challenges facing humanity, from the use of clean energy to climate change and vaccines. “To provide solutions, it is very important to work differently from how we are doing today. I am convinced that only if we work together, in a multidisciplinary way, will we be able to aspire to more years of science and, above all, more years of humanity,” stressed the only woman physicist to have received the National Prize in Exact Sciences in Chile. “I would like to invite young people not to be discouraged and to keep doing research. I am proud to show that women have the same abilities and can do high-level science.”
By: Amelia Miranda O.
