A little over a month ago, a public television program chose neuroscientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal as the greatest Spaniard in history, ahead of poet Federico García Lorca, writer Miguel de Cervantes, and Queen Isabel la Católica. However, only 8% of Spaniards consider Cajal to be one of the top three researchers in world history, according to a study conducted by the BBVA Foundation on scientific culture in 18 European countries, the United States, Israel, and Turkey. The survey found that the majority of Spaniards prioritize scientists such as Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Isaac Newton, Severo Ochoa, and Charles Darwin over Cajal and biochemist Margarita Salas.
In contrast, other European countries prioritize their national scientific figures when asked about the most important scientists in history. French respondents named Louis Pasteur and Marie Curie, Italians mentioned Galileo Galilei, and the UK favored Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. The lack of recognition of Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s contributions to science has been a point of contention within the Spanish scientific community for decades, despite his groundbreaking work on the structure of the human brain and his Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1906.
The BBVA Foundation survey, conducted in 18 countries with 1,500 participants in each, showed a consensus on two major scientific figures: Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton. Einstein received the highest percentage of mentions in Israel and Germany. Other notable names like Marie Curie, Thomas Alva Edison, and Nikola Tesla were mentioned by participants from European countries. National scientists were recognized in countries such as Hungary, where Albert Szent-Györgyi was mentioned by 32% of participants, and in the UK, where figures like Newton, Darwin, and Stephen Hawking were acknowledged.
The study focuses on the level of scientific knowledge among the population, with Spain slightly below the European average in comprehension of fundamental scientific concepts. However, there are no significant differences compared to other European countries and the United States. The survey also revealed some misunderstandings among participants regarding issues such as antibiotics, genetics, and the causes of climate change. The importance of promoting solid scientific education and recognizing the contributions of scientists throughout history is emphasized as crucial for understanding and valuing scientific achievements.
The survey also highlights the general understanding that scientific knowledge is validated through publication in scientific journals or coverage in mainstream media. It stresses the need to acknowledge and appreciate prominent researchers who have made significant impacts on global knowledge and underscores the essential role of the educational system in familiarizing people with these influential figures. The study provides a broad perspective on cultural perceptions and understanding of science, emphasizing the importance of promoting scientific literacy and recognizing the historical contributions of scientists.
