Madrid, Aug 17 (IANS/EFE): Spanish journalist Manuel Calvo Hernando, a pioneer of reporting on science both in his homeland and in Latin America, died Thursday in Madrid. He was 88.

The author of some 40 books, most of them works explaining science and manuals for journalism schools, he pursued his professional career at the daily Ya, where he became assistant director. In 1981, he headed Television Espanola.

Since he attended the first international conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva in 1955, he devoted himself to revealing the secrets of science and explaining its marvels to the public.

He developed his passion both in Spain and in Latin America, where he collaborated during the 1970s and '80s in the creation of groups such as the Ibero-American Association of Science Journalism.

He also helped train professionals, teaching countless courses and seminars about science journalism.

Calvo was married to Maria Josefa Roy, with whom he had six children.