Albert Einstein, Max Planck, Enrico Fermi, Pierre and Marie Curie. Only six names of the most prominent physicists of the twentieth century. His texts, his life, and his work were within the reach of the father’s library. Rodolfo GambiniBorn on May 1, 1946, he spent his childhood browsing these books. “I’ve had motivation my whole life. Maybe because my dad was also interested in physics and I was really passionate about the topics of quantum mechanics and general relativity in particular. I’ve always wanted it,” he told El País one day after his appointment as a member of American Academy of Arts and Sciences, An institution with 241 years of history.

He was the second graduate of a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the Faculty of Humanities and Ancient Sciences at the University of the Republic. With the advent of the dictatorship, he continued his studies in Paris, where he completed his doctorate in theoretical physics. His thesis was on Gravitational wave propagation In flexible media.

“When I was studying, many of my professors were skeptical about the existence of gravitational waves because at that time there was great confusion in how to understand Einstein’s General Relativity Which predicted the necessity of these waves, but it was not clear why there is a problem in general relativity, where it seems that many things exist, but rather it is the result of a certain way of looking at the problem. But if you looked wider, it wouldn’t exist, ”he explained. Einstein was convinced that it would not be possible to measure gravitational waves. Einstein was wrong.

Gambini was not skeptical (nor is he now) but admits that he was a bit “pessimistic”. Meaning that at that time – the 1970s and 1980s – he thought he would have to wait “400 years” to get accurate knowledge about some issues in the universe. But it was not necessary. Gravitational waves, for example, were first detected in 2015. “Building gravity detectors was an extraordinary technical achievement that opened the door to the universe,” he said.

Now, after retiring from teaching, after writing more than 100 articles in the field of particle physics, after directing Field Theory and General Relativity Group from the Institute of Physics From the College of Science and internationally featured in crafting The “Montevideo Interpretation” of Quantum MechanicsAfter becoming the first president of the National Academy of Sciences and after retiring in Punta del Este, he became more optimistic.

And it has many reasons.

One of them is the advancement of science and technology. “What we do not know is always seen so far that it suddenly appears,” he told El País. He gave as an example the Standard Model of particle physics, which was developed in the 1970s, when he “believed” that “we have a very good understanding of the elementary particles that make up the universe.” It was believed that this theory would last for a “long time” and yet problems did arise.

After decades of research and teaching, Gambini summed it up as follows: “The constant is change and surprise.”

Another reason for optimism is Uruguay’s science talent, despite a historical shortage of funding. When Gambini returned to Uruguay in 1987, there were only “a handful of scholars”. There is now a unified work team that excels abroad. “We are still a small country but in terms of quality we compete very well in many fields. It is the product of the effort of the scientific community that has been integrated and is working in a coordinated manner. There is already a great sense of common goals that have to do with national development and science,” he said. Knowledge is what can change a country. “

But what’s missing? Gambini did not hesitate to answer: “The conviction that Uruguay can be a country with a development based on knowledge and science.” Therefore, the political will is missing. From the start of his career until “very recently” he pointed out that the country was seen only as an agricultural country, which is why “it did not have to deal” with science. “They said that basic sciences are an unnecessary luxury and that reality has completely surpassed it today,” he said.

He added, “The role of basic sciences in recent years is clear and is the basis for the possibilities of transforming the country with another type of production, with another ability to innovate and adapt to new challenges. There is room for optimism, but there is no political decision to systematically promote this development.”

Gambini is also optimistic that there will be no shortage of young people who show the same enthusiasm that he felt when he read his father’s books. He advised them all: “You can never be lacking in curiosity and desire for knowledge.” But he also demands independence from them because “everyone has a different vision.” He said to them: The ability to contribute to each of us.