Pablo Valenzuela was awarded the degree of Doctor Scientiae Et Honoris Causa

15/12/2009

With a traditional three-bell–ring, the ceremony that conferred Dr. Pablo Valenzuela the degree of Doctor Scientiae et Honoris Causa by Universidad San Sebastián was initiated last Thursday December 10th.

As recognition of his outstanding scientific career both nationally and internationally, Dr. Valenzuela was invested with the highest honor that universities can bestow: the degree of Doctor Scientiae Et Honoris Causa. In a solemn atmosphere full of symbolisms, Dr. Juand de Dios Vial, former Chancellor of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile introduced and presented the candidate.  The main authorities of Universidad San Sebastian, headed by its Chancellor, Ricardo Riesco, honored Dr. Valenzuela with this degree.

Friends, family and prominent figures from the scientific, political and economic arenas of the country also accompanied Dr. Valenzuela during the ceremony, which ended with a heartfelt standing ovation. This appointment is the third Honoris Causa that Dr. Valenzuela receives. He has been distinguished by the University of Tarapaca, Chile in 2004, and by the University of Bordeaux, France in 2005.

Dr. Valenzuela did his undergraduate studies at the University of Chile where he graduated as a biochemist, to later continue his doctorate at Northwestern University, becoming a pioneer researcher in the biotechnology arena worldwide. He is renowned for his scientific contributions and discoveries related to the hepatitis B and C viruses. Dr. Valenzuela co-founded the Fundación Ciencia para la Vida, where cutting edge research, scientific training and research-based businesses are combined to drive Chile towards its economic and social development.