Jaén, Spain – the University of Jaén (UJA) today conferred an Honoris Causa Doctorate upon Nobel Laureate Thomas Südhof, recognizing his meaningful contributions to biomedical research and his enduring connection to the region of Andalusia. The investiture ceremony, held today, celebrates not only Südhof’s scientific achievements but also his appreciation for the cultural richness of Jaén and Baeza.
Südhof, awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on synaptic transmission, has fostered a unique relationship with the UJA through a series of workshops beginning in 2004. These UNIA workshops, as they are known, have provided a platform for scientific exchange and collaboration, even as Südhof discovered the Renaissance architecture of Baeza and visited the classroom of poet Antonio Machado. The UJA’s recognition underscores the importance of continued investment in scientific research,notably in Southern Europe,where innovation often thrives despite resource limitations.
The scientist first participated in a UJA workshop in 2004, describing the experience as “scientifically productive and culturally enriching.” He received the call informing him of his Nobel Prize during a return visit in 2013, experiencing “two fantastic days of science and celebration” in Baeza following the proclamation. He later returned in 2017 to organize a third workshop and was honored by the city of Baeza, signing its Golden Book and receiving a sculptural piece representing local symbols – “a special occasion that I have treasured,” he stated.
During his 2017 visit, Südhof also explored Jaén, admiring the Cathedral of the Assumption, a masterpiece of Andrés de Vandelvira. He has consistently highlighted the region’s blend of “science and culture, serious work and exuberant celebration,” a sentiment that deepened the meaning of today’s investiture. Südhof also praised the UJA Department of Experimental Biology, noting its ”impressive levels of excellence” achieved “often with limited institutional and financial resources.” The Honoris Causa Doctorate signifies the UJA’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence and recognizing the impact of global leaders in the field.
