The National Assembly agreed in a special session this Monday to grant the honor of transferring the remains of Venezuelan scientist Humberto Fernández Morán to the National Pantheon in Caracas, in recognition of his contributions to the country.
The president of the Permanent Commission on Education, Health, Science, Technology, and Innovation of the National Assembly, José Villarroel, was responsible for presenting the draft agreement.
He emphasized that Fernández-Morán, born in Zulia on February 18, 1924, stood out for being a physician, biophysicist, and inventor, in addition to feeling a deep pride in his nationality.
He explained that the illustrious physician created the diamond scalpel, the electron microscope, and other scientific advances for which he received international recognition, including one from NASA for his contribution to the Apollo 11 program.
He also said he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1968 for his contributions to the field of electron microscopy, "which he rejected because he was required to renounce his Venezuelan nationality to acquire American citizenship, demonstrating his dignity and love for his country."
The representative highlighted that Fernández-Morán also promoted the study of science in Venezuela by founding the Venezuelan Institute of Neurology and Brain Research in 1954, which became the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC) in 1959.
He emphasized that his invaluable contributions laid the foundation for advances in biophysics, neuroscience, and medical technology, benefiting the country and the entire world.
For his part, Representative Rubén Limas emphasized that this is a memorable day for Venezuelans, recognizing this Venezuelan doctor who "is an example and highlights the value that excellence in education should have" in the country.
The session was attended as special guests by Gabriela Jiménez, Vice President of Science, Technology, Health, and Education; Ana Caldera, Head of the Marcel Roche Library at IVIC; Carlos Rojas, Physicist from the Central University of Venezuela; Pedro Sánchez, Biologist; Carmen Liendo, Vice Minister of Research and Scientific Knowledge Generation; Raúl Hernández, Vice Minister of Communication Technology Development; Danmarys Hernández, Vice Minister of Communalization of Science for Production; and Sandra Oblitas, Rector of the Bolivarian University of Venezuela.
Last Friday, they were Fernández-Morán's remains exhumed in Zulia, to be transferred to the National Pantheon in Caracas.
