Barcelona’s Premis FAR ceremony, organized by ARA, was noted for its adherence to time constraints, with scientists emphasizing precision and focus on work over prolonged acknowledgments. “Es nota que la gent de ciència tenen la precisió com a divisa,” reported the event’s coverage, highlighting the structured approach to recognition. The ceremony, held at the Macba, also featured discussions on the role of science in society, with participants emphasizing the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and the societal impact of innovations.
Laia Corbella, director general of the Mobile World Capital of Barcelona, discussed the shift from visible technology to “invisible” algorithms, stating, “I com més invisible una tecnologia, més clares han de quedar les responsabilitats i més consciència ha de tenir la ciutadania.” Meanwhile, Genís Roca, president of Accent Obert, argued for greater civic empowerment, warning that “encara morirem de set envoltats d’aigua” in an era of abundant but unreliable information.

Precision as a Currency
The event’s structure reflected a broader ethos among scientists, who prioritized efficiency over elaboration. Attendees noted that the ceremony’s strict timing did not hinder the exchange of ideas, with discussions spanning technological transparency, civic responsibility, and the balance between theoretical and applied research. “La importància de l’equip, la perseverança que permet completar el trajecte des de la il·lusió al resultat,” the coverage observed, encapsulating the collaborative spirit of the gathering.
Debates on Responsibility and Innovation
Key debates centered on the ethical implications of emerging technologies and the need for public engagement. Corbella’s emphasis on algorithmic accountability contrasted with Roca’s call for stronger information literacy, while Torner and Torres highlighted the value of both innovative ideas and sustained, localized scientific efforts. These perspectives, though distinct, emphasized a shared commitment to advancing science while addressing its societal challenges.

The ceremony concluded with a recognition of the “star system científic” yet to be fully acknowledged, a nod to the often-overlooked contributions of scientists. As the event demonstrated, precision and purpose remain central to the scientific community’s approach to both work and public discourse.
Related reading