The Nobel Prize is an award that recognizes individuals or institutions who have made important discoveries or contributions to humanity.
Almost always the great contributions in science and technology are associated with large economies or first world countries, however, Latin America has 5 scientists, who were awarded for their contributions to science in their various fields.
First on our list is the Argentine Bernardo Alberto Houssay (April 10, 1887 – September 21, 1971), founder of the Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1947, for his study of human glands, especially the pituitary gland. Houssay was the first Latin American to be recognized with a Nobel prize in science.
Then there is the Venezuelan Baruj Benacerraf (October 29, 1920 – August 2, 2011), began his studies on allergies in 1948, which led to his main lines of research that earned him numerous awards. However, his greatest discovery was the discovery of gene families responsible for creating antigens capable of immunizing the organism. This finding earned him the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1980.
The next Latin American scientist to win a Nobel would be a disciple of Houssay, Luis Federico Leloir (September 6, 1906 – December 2, 1987). He obtained his PhD in Medicine at the University of Buenos Aires in 1932, where he met his mentor Bernardo Alberto Houssay, with whom he investigated the processes of human metabolism. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, as was his master in medicine in 1970, for his research on the importance of sugar and glucose in the body’s metabolic processes.
We pass to another Argentine, César Milstein (October 8, 1927 – March 24, 2002), who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1984, for his research on antibodies and their cloning. Milstein’s findings were instrumental in expanding the use of antibodies in current vaccines and treatments.
And finally, the most recent winner was the chemist, Mario José Molina (March 19, 1943- October 7, 2020). Born in Mexico D. F, He conducted various research in the field of environmental chemistry, especially with ozone. He won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995 for his research on ozone damage caused by repellents and industrial refrigerators.
These men are the bulwark of our history and raise the capacity, intellect and advancement of the human race, from Latin America.
