In these times, we are witnessing an accelerated advance in technology and science—an era marked by unprecedented contributions across diverse fields and disciplines. Amid this transformation, it becomes essential to reclaim humanity’s privileged place as the central protagonist in these new landscapes of change and progress.
The human being must remain the axis of all scientific innovation. Such innovation should not only improve the quality of life but also reaffirm our essential condition as individuals navigating increasingly dynamic and remarkable realities.
From its very origins, human nature has been defined by the capacity to question established orders, to contemplate, and to seek answers to doubts and curiosities. It is highly likely that without such inquisitiveness, the development of the sciences would have been impossible.
Today, more than ever, scientific knowledge must be made accessible to people. From the spaces they inhabit, individuals should feel part of emerging knowledge. The knowledge that resonates with their realities, involves them, and makes them active participants.
For this reason, the Journal of Latin American Sciences and Culture, and the Andean Road Countries for Science and Technologhy, under the paradigm of the science culture construction, regard the popularization of scientific knowledge as a fundamental mission, one in which societies not only learn about new scientific contributions but truly understand them. It is within this framework that the podcast Voices of Science emerges: an open space for dialogue that seeks to dismantle the misconception that science is a privilege reserved for a select few.
This initiative not only reclaims the value of radio as a medium, seamlessly integrated with audiovisual communication, but also represents an encounter with a university space where Univalle OnLine radio, based in La Paz, Bolivia, opens its doors. Through this collaboration, we can recover the essential social purpose of science: to contribute to the construction of a more just and equitable world for all.
Univalle OnLine does not merely embrace this challenge; it marshals all its resources in each episode, creating an environment conducive to conversation with scientists and academics connecting from different parts of the world.
Such efforts do not move forward on their own. They must be supported by the talent and dedication of professionals and the commitment of individuals. Univalle OnLine stands as a clear example of this, guided by the composure and assertiveness of a communicator passionate about radio: Rafael Portugal, the driving force behind the general production of Voices of Science. In each episode, he devotes his full ingenuity and attends to every detail with precision.
Yet this is not a solitary endeavor. It requires the collaboration of a team of young students from the Digital Communication program at Univalle: Alondra López, Xavier Cadena, Henry Nina, Rafael Ramos, Julio Veliz, and Gerson Zegarra. They contribute not only their creativity but, above all, a deep commitment to excellence in their work. Our sincere gratitude goes to each of them for their effort and for the magic they bring to every episode.
Prof. Yelka Aguilera Santos
Science Engagement and Public Communication Officer
Editorial Team Journal of Latin American Sciences and Culture (JLASC)