Madrid. A pioneering scientist in applying artificial intelligence to the field of Medicine, UDC Professor Alejandro Pazos Sierra did not want to forget his roots in his speech yesterday. “I owe much of this recognition to my parents, who from heaven will be proud along with Carmen, Aurora, and Pepe, and to my siblings. Especially to Juan, always visionary, ahead of the times, who more than 30 years ago encouraged and supported me to leave clinical hospital work and enter the world of Medical Informatics.”
In his remarks, the award-winning Galician scientist also acknowledged his colleagues. “Firstly, I want to thank the person who nominated me for this prestigious award, with the assurance that friendship weighed more than merit. Secondly, I thank the Board of the Spanish Society of Health Informatics (SEIS) for awarding me this esteemed accolade. Given its significance, as it was bestowed by professional peers in the sector, it will encourage me to continue striving to improve people’s quality of life,” he added.
Professor Alejandro Pazos Sierra received the National Award for Health Informatics in Madrid yesterday, presented by the Spanish Society of Health, in recognition of his pioneering work in applying artificial intelligence to Medicine. This award adds to previous accolades, such as his induction into the “Gallegos del Año” club promoted by the Grupo Correo Gallego. In his speech, the distinguished scientist acknowledged both support and admiration in his field. “Although it may not be fashionable to praise politicians these days, I must do so for some of them because it is just. Thus, I must highlight the former Secretary of State for Health and Conselleira de Sanidad of the Xunta de Galicia, Pilar Farjas; the three recent Directors of ISCIII (Joaquín Arenas, Antonio L. Andreu, and Jesús Fernández Crespo); and the officials from the Xunta’s Departments of Education, Economy, through GAIN, and Health, through Sergas. They have not only funded and are funding a significant portion of the work carried out and under development by my group, but despite their numerous commitments, I have always found their doors open to hear my proposals and have always sought to facilitate our work.”
In addition to acknowledging support, the awardee reminded that all efforts are in vain if commitment to Science does not remain strong. “As someone from the academic and scientific field, I cannot miss the opportunity to advocate for the need for public administrations to invest even more intensively and efficiently in R&D&I.”
His speech also included some self-criticism. “Researchers, especially those from public research institutions, must recognize that our role is not to remain in our ivory tower of Academia. We have a responsibility to give back to society everything we can from what it provides us by funding our projects and scientific infrastructure with the taxes from businesses and individuals. Therefore, our obligation is to train students, interns, and researchers as best as we can and to work to improve the processes and products that offer higher quality in the services provided by public administrations, in our case, health services,” emphasized Pazos Sierra.