Last week, one of the government's highest distinctions was granted at Government House in Argentina: the "National Research Award 2018" was awarded to physicist Conrado Varotto, who is recognized for his work in favor of the development of space and nuclear activity in Argentina.

This distinction highlights Argentine scientists who have contributed throughout their careers to the production of new knowledge, to the development of technological innovations with social and economic impact, to the promotion of knowledge transfer, and to the training of human resources.

Dr. Conrado Varotto, who was selected as National Researcher 2018, founded INVAP in 1976 and transformed it into the Argentine center of national and international reference in technology transfer activities.

From this organization, he promoted projects in the nuclear and satellite areas; topics related to electronics, materials development, metallurgy and mining industry. He was also executive director of the National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) for 20 years.

AUDIO 1- Conrado Varotto

//// I was once asked what science gave me. It gave me the opportunity to do things that I think are useful. To serve the country I love. To get a lot of kids excited about it. To find wonderful people and fantastic friends.

I don't see what can be impossible. Because to do great things and to make them have to dream of great things and so, very advanced, seems crazy. But you don't have to be afraid to do crazy things. The SAC-B, more than a scientific satellite as it was, it was like a statement: Argentina can do this e, there are no doubts.

Conrado Varotto was born in Italy in 1941 and arrived in Argentina in 1951. His parents were looking for a land far from wars where their children could study. At the Balseiro Institute, he graduated and earned a PhD in Physics, and later improved at Stanford with a CONICET scholarship.

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