Maria Iraburu

Chancellor of the University of Navarra

On November 10, we celebrated the #Science Day, a day when we admire the human capacity to know the world and apply that knowledge to transform the reality around us. We owe scientific advances that have improved our lives in so many areas.

But sometimes we forget that it is a deeply human reality, made by humans and directed at humans, influenced by the tides and challenges of each historical moment. What are the challenges of science today? I suggest a few that seem most relevant to me:

1. Science as a trusted voice. Scientific knowledge is regarded as a way of approximating reality based on evidence and is therefore widely accepted. However, we often see the voice of science silenced by polarized discourses, manipulated by partisan interests, or simply relegated to shocking content. If we want to build a fairer and more sustainable society, we need the reliability of science. Our world demands researchers and scientific institutions that inspire trust.

Scientists are increasingly being asked to make an effort to transfer this knowledge, including to the public. An inclusive science is also one that is easily accessible to everyone.

2. A science in dialogue with humanities, art, life. Celebrating science is also acknowledging that science alone is not enough. So often the problems we want to solve meet legislative or communication problems, or require cooperation between different areas. Let me give an example: this week is the #COP27 in which world leaders seek solutions to a problem that affects us all.

Science can offer us solutions for the energy crisis or proposals for the circular economy, but it must be in dialogue to carry out its mission.

3. An inclusive science, open to everyone. Science is specialization, it is complexity, it is not always easy to explain. And on the other hand, it has a commitment to society and should not be the exclusive heritage of specialists who work outside the problems and needs of the environment.

Scientists are increasingly being asked to make an effort to transfer this knowledge, including to the public. An inclusive science is also one that is accessible
for everyone.

I am thinking in particular of the need to promote the presence of women in technological entrepreneurship. We need the wealth of input and creativity of female scientists and technologists in areas such as digitization, which are already having such a huge impact on our lives.

These three challenges are a clear call to higher education institutions. Science is largely conducted in universities, with the work of professors and researchers. But we also have contact with young people at the universities, from whom we learn so much and from whom we can embark on the adventure of a reliable, open and committed science. To everyone who shares this passion, young or old:
happy science day!