Neuroscientist and Argentine writer win esteemed Josep Pla and Nadal Prizes

David Bueno, a biologist, professor, and researcher at the University of Barcelona (UB), has won the 57th Josep Pla Prize for his essay 'The Art of Being Human', while Argentine writer Jorge Fernández Díaz claimed the 81st Nadal Prize with his novel 'Marcial’s Secret'.

Bueno’s essay, which draws from his expertise in educational neuroscience, bridges the gap between science and humanism, offering a journey through art, neuroscience, and education that challenges how we perceive the world and our senses of self.

An author of over 20 popular science and essay books, Bueno delves into how creativity and critical thinking can be harnessed to build a richer, freer, and more fulfilling society, in his latest awarded piece.

Díaz’s novel, on the other hand, is a family-centered work of fiction that explores the story of a writer uncovering the mysteries of his late father’s life.

'Marcial’s Secret' marks a return to family fiction for the Argentine author, who previously explored the theme in his 2003 work 'Mama'. At the gala, Díaz explained that his father belonged to a generation of men who “struggled to communicate with their children.”

Both works will be published on February 5.

The awards were presented during the traditional literary gala held annually on January 6 at Barcelona's iconic Hotel Palace.

This year’s ceremony also paid tribute to Ana María Matute, who won the Nadal Prize in 1959, on the centenary of her birth.