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forming a unique intertwining of genres that is steeped in Europeanism and an extraordinary
clarity of thought and expression.
Though closely linked to the heterogeneity of his native Trieste, he turns his piercing and
intense scrutiny on Europe, using literature to transform the uncertainty and perplexity of human
existence into a refusal to accept disillusion and a vindication of utopia.
Magris argues that mankind has a pressing need to live in hope in a world in which darkness
doggedly threatens to blot out the light. However, for Magris this aspiring to hope is never
ingenuous; it is not spawned of blindness to evil, but rather of the inevitable experience of suffering,
of acceptance of it and of the absolute need to rise above it. To this end, he propounds a lucid
interpretation of history which, though pointing to the horror and barbarity in its course, also
shows us the major breakthroughs in all facets of our existence born of ceaseless scientific progress
and the increasing scope of human rights.
You cannot fail to hear the reverberations of his deep-
rooted love of life, his defence of the memories of the millions
of victims of totalitarianism, his dispassionate understanding of
what we really are. The compassionate, free spirit that pervades
his books from beginning to end cannot fail to rub off on you.
The Award for Technical and Scientific Research has been
bestowed on five great scientists who are world leaders in
research on the complex group of diseases known as cancer.
They are Spanish-born JoanMassagué, Britain’s Tony Hunter
and the Americans Judah Folkman, Bert Vogelstein and Robert
Weinberg. In granting this Award, the Jury also wished to acknowledge “the efforts of so many
scientists throughout the world in their struggle to prevent and treat cancer”, at a time of hope for
oncogene research, a prelude to what we hope will soon be the final victory over this disease.
The study of gene changes leading to cancer, the mechanisms causing metastasis, identifying
cell growth inhibitors, new anti-tumour drugs, a better understanding of the molecular basis of the
disease and the discovery of key enzymes that lead to cancer are some of the fundamental lines of
research pursued with tenacity and dedication by our Laureates. They have made major discoveries,
thanks to which essential aspects of human biology have been successfully deciphered and
understood, and advances in the treatment of the disease have been made. In doing so, they show
us the noblest side of science, a side which moves towards an ever-greater and better understanding
of reality and towards the application of such knowledge to the alleviation of human suffering.
The complexity of the problem and its enormous importance demands that research of the type
they carry out be done by joining forces and cooperating at an international level. The presence of Dr
Massagué is a stimulus to redouble the Spanish contribution to this momentous, planet-wide task.
Spanish science and technology have progressed greatly in recent decades, but we must strive harder
to contribute to the fight against the many ills that afflict mankind, for which science can provide
solutions. The basis for such an undertaking is solid and firm, for Spain has never had a generation of
such able, well-trained young scientists who are so well linked to international academic circles as it
has at present. Spanish society must understand that success is assured if we can support our science
by providing it with the necessary means. Our future depends to a great extent on this.
This year, the Award for Social Sciences has been granted to Paul Krugman, the American
economist, particularly for his contribution to the theory of international trade and economic
development, but also for his approach in his books, essays and articles to economic inequalities.
Dr Krugman is one of his generation’s most brilliant economists. He has managed to achieve
the perfect combination of academic discipline and an ability to communicate his ideas to a wider
reading public, as witnessed by the success of his twenty books and his work as a columnist in
prestigious international media publications. In his articles, which have already become essential
reading, he astutely denounces exploitation and privilege, and does so in a precise, clear style that
adds even further weight to his ideas.
22
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O
ctober
2004
“Spain has never had a generation of such able,
well-trained young scientists who are so well
linked to international academic circles
as it has at present.”
