The ceremony, which took place at the University Campus of Cardones in Arucas, blended scientific rigor with emotional depth. Attendees included the rector of the ULPGC, members of the rectoral team, representatives from the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, among other dignitaries.
The event held particular symbolic significance as it coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where Fernández served as dean from 1993 to 1998, a crucial period for its infrastructure and academic consolidation. This confluence underscored the recognition of both his individual scientific career and the development of Veterinary Sciences in the Canary Islands.
Under the title "Veterinary Pathology as a Science of Biological Relationships. From Lesion to Ecosystem: Contributions of Veterinary Sciences to Understanding Life," Antonio Fernández delivered an academic lecture spanning over four decades of his training, research, and university activities. He explained how Veterinary Pathology has evolved from studying organ, tissue, and cell lesions to interpreting the complex relationships between living organisms, diseases, populations, and ecosystems.
His academic journey began at the University of Córdoba, where he earned his veterinary degree and the Extraordinary Doctorate Award. He later specialized in Veterinary Pathology at the University of Hannover, supported by a scholarship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Research on infectious diseases such as bovine viral diarrhea, African swine fever, and mycoplasmosis demonstrated how understanding the interactions between infectious agents and their hosts allows for comprehending adaptation, balance, and disease mechanisms.
Fernández dedicated part of his address to the establishment and consolidation of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the ULPGC, recalling the initial challenges and the collective effort to achieve European quality standards in teaching and to train veterinarians from an island territory with an international outlook, closely linked to Canary Islands' needs.
Research on marine mammals, particularly Cuvier's beaked whales, was another central theme. Anatomopathological investigations identified lesions consistent with a decompression syndrome associated with exposure to anti-submarine sonars. Findings published in international journals like Nature and Veterinary Pathology contributed to modifying the understanding of these animals' diving physiology and provided scientific evidence that supported the 2004 moratorium on the use of anti-submarine sonars in Canary Islands waters.
The professor emphasized the significance of the One Health concept, integrating human, animal, and ecosystem health. He highlighted the Canary Islands Wildlife Health Surveillance Network (Red Vigía) as a model for health surveillance and biodiversity conservation, and the ULPGC's affiliation with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA/WOAH).
He concluded by advocating the idea "There can be no One Health without One Welfare" and championing curiosity and intellectual humility. The lecture ended with the reflection "Speaking with death to protect life."
The response to the speech was delivered by full member José Regidor García, former rector of the ULPGC. The ceremony included the presentation of the medal and the accreditation diploma.
Antonio Fernández, originally from Santa Cruz de La Palma, has been a professor at the ULPGC since 1992 and has held positions such as dean of Veterinary Medicine and vice-rector for Research. His career includes approximately 300 indexed international scientific publications and the supervision of 25 doctoral theses.
