# José García Santesmases

> physicist and pioneer of computer science in Spain (1907-1989)

**Wikidata**: [Q5940029](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5940029)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_García_Santesmases)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jose-garcia-santesmases

## Summary
José García Santesmases was a Spanish physicist and computer scientist who served as a pioneer of computer science in Spain during the mid-20th century. He held academic positions at major Spanish universities and contributed significantly to establishing computer science as a discipline in the country.

## Biography
- Born: May 2, 1907, in Barcelona
- Nationality: Spain
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Pioneer of computer science in Spain
- Employer(s): Complutense University of Madrid, University of Granada, University of Madrid
- Field(s): Physics, computer science, university teaching

## Contributions
José García Santesmases played a foundational role in establishing computer science as an academic discipline in Spain. As a university teacher at institutions including the University of Granada and University of Madrid (later Complutense University of Madrid), he helped develop the curriculum and infrastructure for computing education. His influence extended beyond teaching through his membership in scholarly organizations such as the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences, where he served from 1961 until his death in 1989. Santesmases mentored notable students including José Mira Mira, who would become significant in artificial research in Spain. His work helped bridge theoretical physics and emerging computing technologies during a formative period for both fields in Spain.

## FAQs
### Q: What was José García Santesmases' primary contribution to Spanish science?
A: He was a pioneer who established computer science as an academic discipline in Spain, teaching at major universities and helping develop computing education infrastructure.

### Q: How long was José García Santesmases associated with the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences?
A: He served as a member of the Royal Academy from 1961 until his death in 1989, a period of 28 years.

### Q: Which universities did José García Santesmases teach at during his career?
A: He taught at the University of Granada and the University of Madrid, which later became Complutense University of Madrid.

### Q: What awards did José García Santesmases receive for his scientific contributions?
A: He received the Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise (1967), Medal of Work Merit (1982), Echegaray Medal (1979), and the Medal of the Royal Spanish Society of Physics (1968).

## Why They Matter
José García Santesmases fundamentally shaped the trajectory of computer science education in Spain during a critical period when computing technologies were emerging. His dual expertise in physics and computing enabled him to bridge theoretical and applied approaches, creating a foundation that influenced generations of Spanish scientists and technologists. By establishing academic programs and mentoring students like José Mira Mira, he helped create a sustainable ecosystem for computing research that contributed to Spain's scientific development. His membership in prestigious academies underscored the recognition of his contributions, and his awards highlight the national significance of his work in establishing Spain's presence in the emerging field of computer science.

## Notable For
- Pioneer of computer science education in Spain, establishing foundational academic programs at major universities
- Member of the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences for 28 years (1961-1989)
- Received the Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise in 1967
- Mentored notable students including José Mira Mira in the field of computing
- Recipient of multiple prestigious awards including the Echegaray Medal (1979) and Medal of Work Merit (1982)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
José García Santesmases was born on May 2, 1907, in Barcelona, Spain. He would become a significant figure in Spanish scientific education, particularly in the emerging field of computer science.

### Academic Career
Santesmases began his teaching career at the University of Granada before moving to the University of Madrid (later Complutense University of Madrid). On December 15, 1944, he was appointed as a full professor. His academic contributions spanned both physics and computer science, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach.

### Institutional Affiliations
His primary employer was Complutense University of Madrid, where he made substantial contributions to establishing computer science as a discipline. In addition to his university positions, Santesmases was deeply involved in scholarly organizations.

### Academy Membership
Santesmases was elected to the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences on December 13, 1961, serving as a member until his death on October 24, 1989. His membership was recognized with medal 22 of the academy. He was also a member of the Real Sociedad Española de Física y Química and the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Santesmases received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to science and education:
- Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise (1967)
- Medal of the Royal Spanish Society of Physics (1968)
- Echegaray Medal (1979)
- Medal of Work Merit (1982)
- National Award for Scientific Research (1983)

### Scholarly Impact
Beyond his teaching roles, Santesmases mentored significant students, most notably José Mira Mira, who would become influential in artificial intelligence research. His work helped establish the theoretical and practical foundations for computer science in Spain during a formative period for the discipline.

### Legacy
José García Santesmases died on October 24, 1989, in Madrid. His legacy continues through the academic institutions he helped develop and the students he mentored, who contributed to Spain's advancement in computing and related fields. His dual expertise in physics and computer science positioned him as a key figure in Spain's scientific development during the mid-20th century.

## References

1. [Source](https://rac.es/sobre-nosotros/miembros/academicos-historicos/numerarios/388/)
2. [Source](https://www.boe.es/datos/pdfs/BOE//1944/350/A09419-09419.pdf)
3. [Source](https://www.boe.es/datos/pdfs/BOE//1946/213/A06049-06049.pdf)
4. [Source](http://www.idi.mineco.gob.es/portal/site/MICINN/menuitem.791459a43fdf738d70fd325001432ea0/?vgnextoid=5f2b6e1e125ae210VgnVCM1000001d04140aRCRD&vgnextchannel=eb0b282978ea0210VgnVCM1000001034e20aRCRD&vgnextfmt=formato2&id3=2e2b6e1e125ae210VgnVCM1000001d04140a____)
5. [Source](https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1982/05/01/pdfs/A11227-11227.pdf)
6. [Source](https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1967/08/25/pdfs/A12027-12027.pdf)
7. [Source](https://rsef.es/area-de-miembros/premios-de-la-rsef?start=10)
8. [Source](http://www.rac.es/sobre-nosotros/miembros/academicos-historicos/numerarios/388/)
9. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
10. Virtual International Authority File