Alberto Jiménez Schuhmacher highlights on Onda Cero the potential of the eclipse to awaken new scientific vocations

The researcher from IIS Aragón participated in the program Finallywhere she shared her impressions of the eclipse and reflected on the importance of bringing science closer to society

Alberto Jiménez Schuhmacher, head of the group Molecular Oncology of the Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), participated this Thursday in the program Finally, Onda Ceroto share their impressions after the total solar eclipse experienced on August 12 and to reflect on its ability to bring science closer to the public.

During the conversation, the researcher described the experience as "supernatural" and acknowledged the impact of witnessing a phenomenon that, despite being perfectly known and predictable from a scientific point of view, is difficult to anticipate emotionally until it is experienced firsthand.

Beyond the astronomical phenomenon itself, Jiménez Schuhmacher focused on the opportunity that events of this magnitude offer to awaken curiosity and new scientific vocationsespecially among children and young people.

In this regard, he recalled how different experiences related to observing nature have historically shaped the careers of great scientists and also referred to the example of Spanish astronauts Sara García Alonso and Pablo Álvarez. “How many more Sara Garcías or Pablo Álvarezes will we have?” he asked, expressing his hope that the eclipse could become a first introduction to science for many young people.

The researcher also recalled the relationship of Santiago Ramón y Cajal observing an eclipse during his childhoodAs he explained, the possibility of predicting through science a natural phenomenon that could initially seem perplexing helped awaken the Aragonese scientist's fascination with understanding and studying nature.

You can listen to the full interview HERE