The initiative, organized by the Bergara City Council and the Laboratorium Museum, has highlighted the town's significance in the history of science. This year marks 243 years since the isolation of the only chemical element discovered in the Basque Country.
The celebration has showcased science, heritage, outreach, art, and local talent, bringing Bergara's scientific history closer to its citizens. The activities are part of the program developed throughout the year by ZTB (Science, Technology, Innovation).
The program began at the Laboratorium Museum with two free guided tours. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the permanent exhibition and the “W74: reason, power, and future” exhibition, which delves into the discovery of wolfram and its historical context.
The main event took place at the Seminario, where Jesús Mari Ugalde Uribe-Etxebarria received the newly established ZTB Bergara Ambassador Award. This award aims to recognize individuals linked to Bergara who have made significant contributions in fields such as research, innovation, or scientific culture.
Jesús Mari Ugalde Uribe-Etxebarria, a professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), is recognized for his extensive research career and his contributions to science dissemination.
The event was attended by representatives from local, regional, and autonomous institutions and companies, citizens, and close associates of Jesús Mari Ugalde Uribe-Etxebarria. Among them were Juan Ignacio Perez Iglesias, Basque Government Minister of Science, University, and Innovation; Gorka Artola, Mayor of Bergara; and Rosa Errazkin, Director of the Laboratorium Museum.
Mayor Gorka Artola emphasized that Wolfram Day was created not only to commemorate a past achievement but also to recognize Bergara's contribution to scientific history, transmit scientific heritage to new generations, and bring science, knowledge, and curiosity closer to the public.
Minister Juan Ignacio Perez Iglesias congratulated Ugalde and Bergara for their contributions to science. He drew a parallel between the Elhuyar brothers and Ugalde, highlighting how both, despite studying abroad, have significantly influenced their local environments.
Rosa Errazkin, Director of the Laboratorium Museum, invited attendees to imagine a journey back to 1783 Bergara, evoking the work of the Elhuyar brothers and the importance of isolating wolfram.
Through this award, the City Council and the Laboratorium Museum aim to provide visibility to scientific and technological talent linked to Bergara and strengthen connections among individuals who develop their professional activities within and beyond the municipality.
Jesús Mari Ugalde Uribe-Etxebarria received the award "with great honor and full commitment," expressing his gratitude for the recognition of his career and his connection to Bergara, humorously noting his journey to becoming an "ambassador for Bergara."
Ugalde also recalled the foundational work at the Laboratorium Museum and the efforts of Rosa Errazkin's team, as well as the process of bringing Jakiunde to Bergara in 2011 and the subsequent designation of the Laboratorium Museum as a European Science Historic Site in 2018.
"Because they were, we are, and because we are, they will be," he affirmed, emphasizing the link between Bergara's scientific heritage and future generations.
