With so many problems on Earth, why be interested in the stars? | Sciences | Trade | Technology and science | Science

The Magnetism of the Chilean Astronomer María Teresa Ruiz (1946) leaves no doubt: it is made of star dust. But she insists on remembering that we are all children of the stars and that we can survive together only as a species. Her scientific achievements have earned her many awards in a world of "pure men" as she defines herself, first woman to study astronomy at the University of Chile and who has received the National Prize for Exact Science.

the Chilean Academy of Sciences and is dedicated to dissemination, among other things, through his books, also takes the time to fight for women's rights through the Mujer Mujer organization, and to excite himself when his grandson asks by video call when there are trees in France

In this country it is precisely where DW spoke with her María Teresa Ruiz conquered with her speech the participants at the eighth edition of the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF), one of the largest global meetings on science and innovation

Deutsche Welle: It is true that we all love the sky, but with so many problems on Earth, why be interested in the stars?

aría Teresa Ruiz: Humanity has always been dealing with the universe. Much progress has been made possible by asking these "useless" questions, guided only by curiosity. Although this is not the motivation of astronomy, the new discoveries of astronomy almost always have a practical application. The wifi system, magnetic resonance or nuclear energy are some examples. Even the trip to the moon has brought more economic benefits than it has cost, thanks to the progress that has been needed, to achieve it. Now, the next frontier will be to put the man in and to overcome this challenge, we need advances that can be very important to our daily lives, so we must continue to push the boundaries of the knowledge.

In his book "Children of the Stars" he emphasizes that we all come precisely from the stars. What exactly does it mean?

Through nuclear reactions, small stars, such as the Sun, produce carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. Other slightly larger stars make heavier items, such as uranium. During the explosion of stars, this material is mixed in the universe with hydrogen and helium. It's the raw material of life and it's everywhere. That's what you have to think, will there be life elsewhere? It would be hard for me to think that we are alone in the universe with more than 100 billion stars in our galaxy and over 100 billion galaxies in the universe. The big problem is that we can not overcome the speed of light and that is why we can not communicate or travel. Going to the nearest star right now would cost us about 40 thousand years.

The history of the stars makes us know that we have a common origin. It's an invitation to marvel at life and to reach a level of consciousness in which one feels part of humanity. I am irresistibly optimistic and I think that we are capable of wonderful things if we work in community.

Speaking of working together, how did you experience the evolution of women in the field of science?

The evolution has been positive, but there is still more to do. I had a Scottish grandmother who was very liberal and always said to me, "Hey, being a woman is not a good excuse for not having dreams." That's why I do not I did not think it was special to apply for a male career. When I was asked if I had been a victim of discrimination or harbadment, I said no, now with all this feminist movement, I start to remember complex situations with which I had to live even when I was old. I kissed, but I had to live moments with important people who were going a step further, when I told my fellow scientists, they told me that this guy was a beautiful person and that he helped a lot in science. Touch it, do not come with things. "And I'm giving up …

I do not want today's girls to come in. There are women who are very hurt and abandon their life plans. terribly unfair and pitiful from the point of view of humanity, because we are losing half of the talents of the world.Now, there are many girls who study astronomy and I like that young people can consider a career in science as a project of life

You move a lot on the international scene.In what situation does science in Chile compare to other countries?

Compared to the other. Europe, we are rather bad, even in the Latin American neighborhood.Chile devotes 0.35% of its GDP to science, compared to OECD countries, which spend on average 2% – in 2016, Chile spent 0.37% of GDP on research, development and innovation, the average for the OECD was 2.38%. China spending about 1% and Brazil even more – in 2017, Argentina invested 0.6% of its GDP; Brazil 1.2% of its GDP. We dream of one day reaching 1 percent. All governments proposed it, but none managed to do it. Unless they believe that Chilean scientists are four times smarter than others and that we can do science at the same level with very little support, we really need the economic and government support for science . If you have a half-moribund science, it's hard to expect something spectacular.

What is needed to improve this precariousness?

Economic support and strengthening of the institutional framework. At this moment we are in the approval of the Ministry of Science and Technology. At least that will give us a place at the table where priorities are discussed at the country level. Before we were a very small element of the Ministry of Education, which has monstrous priorities; Science was something nobody cared about. Now, at least, we will have this balcony to express ourselves

Interview: Irene Baños Ruiz – Deutsche Welle

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