There’s no doubt that your life is linked to the science. In fact, you are considered the driving force behind the new scientific museology in Spain. How have these years been?
It’s been really enjoyable. Since I was 12 years old I was fascinated by the science. I went to university and when I finished I decided to work teaching in order to be able to continue learning with my students. I had the honor of teaching the same students since they were 4 years old until they went to the university. Then, I started to collaborate writing several articles about communication, science spreading and museology, to design museums, to schedule exhibitions and programs for the planetary.
You have taken part in the design of several museums such as the “House of the Sciences”, the House of the Man (Domus) and the House of the Fishes (Finisterrae Aquarium) in La Coruña. What is the main challenge you face when you start this kind of projects with such a magnitude?
The main challenge is to measure and to economize the resources because you have to be aware you’re investing the people money, the money of everyone who pays taxes. It’s not your money. And you also have to take into account that special taxes will not be levied on these projects.
Twenty years ago you received the National Science Journalism Award. What did you feel when you were informed?
I felt surprised, but really pleased and proud of. It was the first time this prize was given to someone who was not working in a newspaper or magazine. Back then, I started to collaborate with several print media, radio and television, but my main occupation had been teaching and the museology.
You’ve said that it is necessary to live the science before teaching it. But, is it possible to learn how to live the science or are you born with this passion for the science?
There are several aspects of the science that are inborn, like the curiosity. But many other are the result of the education and they are part of the culture such as the rational ways of thinking, the skepticism or other aspects of the Scientific Method. The school is fundamental in the scientific education. And it is essential to be able to develop the necessary values and attitudes of the science, as well as the experimentation skills.
Do you consider the science part of the culture? Why?
The science is the most useful aspect of the culture to explain everything that happens in the world and to be able to understand our origins: where we come from? How did human beings originate? How did life arise on Earth? Where did all of the mountains come from? And together with the technology, the science is the most changeable part of the culture. Thanks to the science we’re able to avoid the death of many children, we produce more food, we live more years, we communicate better, we enjoy the music, the art, and so on.
Tell us one moment in your life when you’ve felt disappointed because of the science
I’ve never felt disappointed by the science. I’ve felt disappointed sometimes by the way the technology has been employed.For example, to kill or to oppress people.
Now, tell us the happiest moment in your life because of the science
To be able to save the life of the people I love in different occasions thanks to the surgery.
In the meeting “Testimonios del Futuro” celebrated in the San Simon Island, you had the opportunity to taste our wines, what was your favorite and what place would you choose to enjoy it?
Martín Códax Gallaecia really impressed me. I personally prefer it to some Sauternes or Tokays to pair, for example, with the foie. Or even maybe with tripes. I imagine myself tasting it during a fantastic summer midday looking at the ocean and, of course, in Galicia!
