Science and economics are on common tracks

At the proposal of the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment and the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Group of Cuba (Biocubafarma), 49 professionals with an outstanding career and important results in various disciplines have been awarded the Symbol of Excellence of Cuban Science.

The Carlos J. Finlay Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the Cuban state in the field of science, corresponding to 2022, is recognized for men and women of pure science, as well as those who endorse that scientists and economists are currently working through common paths.

Besides the Cubans honored were four foreign dignitaries, including Jaime Este, a research professor at the School of Economics at Mexico’s Autonomous University of Puebla.

Coordinator of the Global Economy Studies Network and member of three working groups of the Latin American Council for the Social Sciences (Clacso): The Crisis and the Global Economy; integration and unity in Latin America; geopolitics, regional integration and the world order.

His extensive experience and knowledge as a specialist in international economics, with a focus on Latin American foreign relations and regional integration processes, has also earned Estay the Carlos J. Finlay Medal by endorsing with his work the close connection between science and economics.

The prominent economist has maintained close academic and intellectual ties with Cuba for more than two decades, which earned him his selection as a member of the Academy of Sciences in August 2022, and on February 16 of this year he was awarded the highest scientific honor on the island.

In an interview with Prensa Latina, Estay said that in these years of working with Cuban researchers, they agreed on topics in which he would specialize: international economics and international relations in Latin America.

He pointed out that in the 1980s there were several joint studies on the region’s external debt, the Free Trade Area of ​​the Americas, the problems of globalization, and the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Estai stressed that the approval of these cases allowed him to establish strong links with the Center for Research on the World Economy, the Center for International Economics Research at the University of Havana, and the International Center for Policy Research.

He reaffirmed that “aside from the convergence of ideas and proposals, we have identified and developed common positions.”

He added, “The reflections generated by the Cuban Academy have helped me to form my own critical position on the economic issues I am researching, and at the same time they have contributed to generating insights on issues related to Latin America and the global economy context.

He pointed out that they are long-term and very close relationships with a kind of basic non-coincidence, which transcend common ideas and norms, when expressing themselves in critical situations, because it is a very strong relationship between researchers.

When referring to Carlos J Finlay’s command, he stresses that it is a very honorable matter for him, and for which he feels a great burden of responsibility.

“It is a commitment to the future, a kind of synthesis of ties with the Cuban Academy, in order to find possible solutions in the areas of international economy and many of the problems of Latin American countries,” wondered the professor from the University of Puebla.

“I feel valued, proud and obligated,” he admitted.

They, like the rest of the Carlos J. Medal recipients. Finley, they endorse the words of the Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment, Alba Rosa Pérez at the award ceremony.

“Scientific activity requires dedication, time, hard work, and meticulousness, and I have shown that perseverance and passion for research can lead to remarkable results.”

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