At noon today, King Felipe and Queen Letizia presided over the presentation of the 2023 National Research Awards, awarded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, endowed with 30,000 euros for each modality, which distinguish researchers who stand out for their career and international relevance in their respective areas of work.
In his speech, the King thanked the city of Gandia for its welcome, on his first official visit, whose Borja Ducal Palace hosted the event. Felipe VI has pointed out that men and women are rewarded—of different ages, with different profiles, from multiple disciplines—whose excellent work not only contributes to the progress and well-being of society, but also to the strengthening of our country." And he has stressed that "the people we recognize today are necessary—you are—; "You are a source of pride and, above all, you are the future for a country that has, precisely, ambition for the future and prosperity."
The King wanted to remember the poet Vicent Andrés Estellés, on the centenary of his birth: "The poet considered the word as the key that opens all the locks. That is also science: the key that opens all the locks", he quoted .
"Spanish society is increasingly aware of the value of science and shows growing confidence in the scientific community," continued Felipe VI. "According to the Spanish Federation for Science and Technology, the majority of Spaniards consider that scientists investigate for the common good, and that Science and Technology are key to achieving the resolution of social problems as varied as the spread of diseases. infectious diseases, climate change and the price of energy".
After remembering that "Spain has relevant scientific and technological leadership: we are world leaders in clinical trials, which will give rise to the new personalized precision medicine; in addition, we are leaders in renewable energies (...) and we are also among the main economies in the EU in digitalization and connectivity".
The monarch has referred to the "important challenges" still pending, "such as the aging of the population, the growth of cities and rural depopulation, or the management of natural resources, including water, and the progressive decarbonization of the economy, or even the impact of AI", among others.
After congratulating and showing the support of the Crown for his work "-Spain needs you", the King concluded by stating that "each step on the path of knowledge ─knowledge with conscience and values─ is in the solution of problems and in the greatness of humanity."
