Astrophysicist John Etienne Beckman, Emeritus Research Professor at the CSIC affiliated with the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), was awarded an honorary doctorate today by the University of Almería (UAL) in a formal ceremony held in the university auditorium.
Accompanied by his sponsor, Professor José Antonio Sánchez Pérez, Beckman received his diploma and doctoral insignia—the cap, ring, book of science and white gloves—from the rector, José J. Céspedes, symbolising his incorporation into the Faculty of Honour.
A key figure in modern astrophysics
With a PhD from the University of Oxford, Beckman began his career with significant contributions to NASA and has had a decisive career at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), where he has been Research Coordinator and is now Professor Emeritus. His research has marked essential milestones in cosmology and planetary physics, notably the first detection of molecular hydrogen on Jupiter and pioneering measurements of Cosmic Background Microwave Radiation, published in Nature.
He has supervised numerous doctoral theses, participated in space missions such as Mariner to Mars, and maintains an ongoing commitment to public communication of science, including collaboration on documentaries for RTVE, such as Our Universe.
Co-founder of the Almería Astronomy Conference, Beckman has helped to turn it into an international event that brings together Nobel Prize winners, astronauts and leading science communicators every year. He is also the founder of the NGO Tecnologías en Desarrollo (Technologies in Development), winner of the Energy Global Award in 2008, and has promoted initiatives such as the nuclear test ban treaty.
More recently, on 6 November, he received the Research Award at the third edition of the La Orotava Science Fair Awards.
A strong connection with Almería
In his speech, Beckman expressed his deep connection with the city and its institutions: ‘It is a great honour and I am very happy to receive this honorary doctorate today.’ He pointed out that ‘Almería is a place where, when I arrive, I feel at home, mainly due to the warmth and hospitality of the people I have met in this city, a city of good people.’
The astrophysicist also highlighted the growth of the UAL and celebrated the recent introduction of the Degree in Physics, pointing to it as a key achievement for the future of science in the region.
Science versus misinformation
The core of Beckman's speech focused on defending critical thinking and the importance of combating misinformation through scientific rigour. To this end, he refuted three widely circulated hoaxes on the internet using arguments from astrophysics: the false belief that the Earth is flat, the denial of the moon landing, and the denial of climate change, warning of the risks of the greenhouse effect and citing Venus as an extreme example of uncontrolled warming.
He concluded with an urgent call to base social and political decisions on scientific evidence, especially in the face of the climate crisis.
Institutional recognition
The ceremony also included the investiture of Marilar Aleixandre, professor of Experimental Science Education and writer recently awarded the National Narrative Prize. Her incorporation into the Faculty of Honour was sponsored by Rut Jiménez Liso.
The rector emphasised the significance of the tribute: "Two people of science, two names of international prestige in their fields of knowledge — Experimental Science Education and Astrophysics — who are now inscribed on our university's honour roll. The Faculty of the University of Almería is proud to welcome into its ranks those who so indisputably embody the best university values and wisdom at its finest."
