Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches

P rince of A sturias A wards 1981-2014. S peeches 9 Touraine and Bauman constitute critical consciences that help us interpret the complex world in which we live. They also outline paths to follow and how to address problems which, on account of being common to all mankind, can only have global solutions. Europe is also at the core of their reflections, and both lament its sometimes slow and hesitant steps, as they are convinced that it has such an important role to play in the world. A world in which Europe must undertake its greatest adventure: the adventure of protecting and conveying the values that it has given birth to with so much sacrifice and which it has managed to preserve over centuries of history. The values of humanism, freedom, fraternity and tolerance. Three neurobiologists admired worldwide, David Julius, Linda Watkins and Baruch Minke, have received the Award for Technical and Scientific Research. The same emotion that artists and archaeologist feel before a new endeavour is also present in the work they carry out with their teams as they delve into the complexity of the nervous system and seek solutions to alleviate physical pain, which in its acute or chronic form so often and so seriously affects human beings. The three doctors to whomwe pay tribute today are worldwide leaders in sensory neurobiology. Their achievements illustrate the possibilities of molecular biology and of current neuroscientific research, a discipline that started to bear fruits in Spain with Ramón y Cajal, a source of legitimate pride. Baruch Minke has discovered a class of “biological sensors” that adapt and regulate the flow of information coming from our senses, information that travels to our brain, where it is perceived in the form of sensations. David Julius has identified some important members of this family which, linked to specific neurons, are involved in the detection of noxious stimuli and the perception of temperature and pain. Linda Watkins’ work reveals that cells long considered to be a mere support for the neuron also contribute to the transmission of painful sensations when an injury is produced. The contributions of Drs Julius, Watkins and Minke take on even greater importance when considered as a whole: for the first time ever the search for painkillers that are selective and specific for each type of painful episode has been made possible, thus increasing therapeutic benefits and minimizing side effects. With their work, conventional medicine takes on a new dimension in its desire to prolong, and at the same time increase the quality of people’s lives. Thanks to these three outstanding scientists, science has thus taken a huge step forward. Major advances in medicine also, however, owe a great deal to the spectacular progress in surgery. Organ transplants are, in this respect, one of the most effective testimonies of this constant progress. We are accordingly delighted with the conferral of the Award for International Cooperation on two organizations,The Transplantation Society and the SpanishNational Transplant Organization, which share one and the same magnificent purpose: to save human lives thanks to the generosity and solidarity that the donation of organs represents as well as to the systems of cooperation developed between specialists, medical and research centres, international bodies and countries. We express our gratitude for their dedication to such admirable, necessary work. With almost thirty-five donors per million inhabitants —twice the average for the European Union— the Spanish National Transplant Organization has placed Spain at the top of the world ranking in terms of transplants, a source of great pride. We can now speak of a Spanish model for transplants that has even been adopted by the European Union and which has been successfully exported to countries in Latin America. We are likewise honoured by the international recognition received for this organization’s work, which has proven to be a powerful stimulus for Spanish society and for its healthcare system and scientific community. Similarly, The Transplantation Society, with over 4,000 members worldwide, is the leading international organization that addresses the different aspects of human transplantation, such as pharmacology, medicine, research and training. Our Award recognizes the work of this organization, “Let us afford greater vigour and drive to our public life. Let us renew our behaviour and change our attitudes.”