The scientist from León Sara Garcia AlonsoA leading figure in biomedicine and the European space sector, he has returned to the classrooms where he trained with a very clear idea in mind: to transform his research career into a more ambitious mission, to take the knowledge generated in Spanish laboratories beyond Earth's orbit.
During an institutional visit to the University of SalamancaThe researcher explained that her main professional goal is no longer just to reach space, but to do so as an active scientist, integrating her biomedical work into a future European Space Agency (ESA) mission to to position Spanish science at the forefront of space exploration.
A declared dream: to take Spanish science on a space mission
In her appearances before the media and the university community, the reserve astronaut has left no room for doubt: His great aspiration is to participate in an orbital mission where she can work both as a researcher and an astronaut. She has said that she feels she still has "many challenges ahead," but that the most special one is ensuring that the experiments and projects developed in Spain travel with her beyond the planet.
This approach fits with her dual profile: on the one hand, she has a doctorate in Molecular Biology of Cancer and Translational ResearchOn the other hand, she is a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve. The scientist wants this combination to go beyond her resume and translate into a mission where she can test in microgravity biomedical research that is currently being carried out in leading national centers.
García has insisted that his visit to the University of Salamanca also seeks to bring the public closer to how science and technology They impact daily life, both on Earth and in space. For her, the different paths a researcher follows throughout their career ultimately converge on the same point: generating tangible benefits for society.
In this context, she stressed that, if she is ever assigned to a mission, she will feel that she is traveling representing not only the ESA, but also Spanish research, the institutions that have supported her, and all the people who have committed to strengthening Europe's presence and Spain in the space sectorHe describes it as an "enormous responsibility" that he takes on with enthusiasm, but also with respect.
Returning to Salamanca: Alma Mater pride and top-level science
The day in Salamanca was highly emotional. The researcher returned to the campus where she completed her undergraduate studies and defended her doctoral thesis, a place she considers "home" and to which she feels a strong connection. Rector Juan Manuel Corchado and the Vice-Rector for Research, José Miguel Mateos Roco, accompanied her on an institutional tour of the most emblematic spaces of the Studio.
During the morning, the biologist visited the General Historical LibraryThe renowned Salamanca Sky and the Trilingual Building of the Faculty of Sciences. At the latter, she shared her impressions with the university community and expressed her satisfaction at being able to enjoy “a very special day” in the place where she established her career as a scientist.
In his statements, García has been unstinting in his praise for the institution. He has assured that the investigation being carried out in the University of Salamanca It is “extraordinary” and has focused particularly on the role of Cancer Research Center, whose work he describes as exceptional and key to his professional development.
As he explained, the initial and continuous The training she received at the University of Salamanca (USAL) provided her with the necessary tools to go far in both biomedicine and the space sector. After completing her predoctoral studies, she felt fully prepared to take the leap into high-level projects, something she now largely attributes to the quality of the faculty and the rigorous scientific standards she experienced firsthand.
That connection with Salamanca is not only academic. The researcher acknowledges that the city and its university have shaped her understanding of science, as a rigorous but also collaborative endeavor open to the world, which she now aspires to bring to the ESA missions environment. to make the Spanish contribution visible in international projects.
Conference, book and popularization: science told in the first person
Sara García's return to the studio has not been limited to a simple institutional visit. The agenda includes a conference open to the public in the Paraninfo of the Edificio de las Escuelas Mayores, organized by Alumni-USAL, in which the scientist has set out to explain how research is carried out both on Earth and in space.
The talk is scheduled at 18 pm It is envisioned as an encounter with the people of Salamanca, where topics such as the career paths of researchers, the career paths they can pursue both inside and outside laboratories, and the real impact of science on everyday life will be addressed in an accessible way. The astronaut's intention is to demonstrate that behind every breakthrough lie years of work, international cooperation, and immense perseverance.
In addition to the conference, the day includes a signing copies of his first book, “Orbits”In this work, García shares personal experiences, reflections on the craft of research and his selection process as an ESA astronaut, offering an inside look at a world that is often perceived as distant.
Through both her book and her public appearances, the scientist aims to bring the day-to-day work of laboratories and space training closer to a wide audience. Her goal is to help the public better understand how scientific knowledge is built and why it is so important. maintain a stable investment in R&D&Ieven when the results are not immediate.
This outreach aspect has become an important part of her work. Beyond talking about her career, she insists on explaining why science is a essential pillar for health, the economy and the global response to major challenges, from diseases like cancer to climate change or deep space exploration.
From Salamanca to the CNIO and the ESA: the trajectory of a pioneer
Sara García's path to the ESA Astronaut Reserve is strongly linked to cancer research. In 2018 she obtained her PhD in Molecular Biology of Cancer and Translational Research by the University of Salamanca with the highest possible grade, and in 2019 received the extraordinary doctoral award, a recognition of the quality of his thesis.
That same year he joined National Center for Oncology Research (CNIO)where she leads advanced projects focused on the search for new treatments for lung and pancreatic cancer. Her work is part of cutting-edge research lines that combine molecular biology, new therapies, and translational approaches to bring basic findings closer to clinical practice.
In November 2022, her career took a turn when the European Space Agency He selected her as a member of the Astronaut Reserve, making her the first Spanish woman to achieve this positionSince then, she has combined her responsibilities at the CNIO with the demanding training process involved in preparing for a future mission assignment.
Forbes magazine has included García on its list of the 100 Most Influential Women in Spain For three consecutive years, he received the award in recognition of his dual scientific and space-related profile, as well as his role as a role model for new generations. He explains that these kinds of accolades never cease to amaze him, but he also sees them as an opportunity to highlight the collective work of research teams.
In October 2024 it began in the European Astronaut Centre (EAC)In Cologne, Germany, the first of three reserve training programs began, with intensive two-month modules. This training covers everything from technical and operational aspects of missions to physical preparation, survival skills, and teamwork, always with an eye toward possible participation in future orbital expeditions.
Training, responsibility, and personal challenges ahead of a future mission
García doesn't hide the fact that the training process to become a reserve astronaut is demanding. ESA programs combine theoretical and practical sessions in space travel simulatorsSafety training and physical exercises that aim to ensure that, when the time comes, each crew member can respond to critical situations in extreme environments.
In various interviews, the scientist has acknowledged that one of his greatest fears It is not up to the task in a real mission, a concern that he considers logical given the level of responsibility involved in traveling to space representing scientific institutions, a country and the European Space Agency itself.
Even so, he faces this challenge with a mixture of caution and motivation. He knows that the training is designed precisely to minimize the margin of error and that the key lies in... constant preparation, coordination with the rest of the team and the ability to make quick decisions based on scientific evidence and established protocols.
The astronaut also underscores the symbolic dimension of her potential journey: if she is ultimately assigned to a mission, she will be seen as a visible representative of the Spanish and European science in one of the most high-profile settings, such as the international space stationHe is aware that many people will follow in his footsteps, especially young people who see in figures like his a demonstration that it is possible to combine biomedical research with space exploration.
In this regard, she points out that one of the most rewarding aspects of her experience so far is hearing girls tell her that, thanks to her example, They have been encouraged to study scientific careers or consider a career change towards sectors linked to technology and space.
Defending science against simplistic and anti-science rhetoric
Beyond her own career path, Sara García pays particular attention to the social context in which the research takes place. In her presentations, she has warned of the danger of certain discourses that They question science. or that spread simplistic messages about complex problems, especially when they come from figures with great public influence.
In his view, the proliferation of populist approaches that promise “easy solutions“Without support from data or rigorous studies, it can represent a significant setback for the development of humanity. Remember that science is not a set of instant recipes, but a process based on the accumulation of knowledge, controlled experimentation, and the constant review of results.”
García insists that the science is the most reliable system This is the information society uses to make informed decisions, whether on health, public policy, innovation, or global crisis management. He warns that being swayed by messages that discredit this method can have serious social and economic consequences.
It also draws attention to the fact that the “anti-science” phenomenon is not exclusive to a single country, but is observed in different parts of the world, including Europe. Therefore, it considers it essential Strengthening science education, quality dissemination and transparency in research communication, to build trust and combat misinformation.
In line with this vision, the astronaut emphasizes the importance of maintaining and increasing the investment in science and R&D&IHe argues that these fields are the foundation of progress for any modern society, because they nourish all productive sectors and allow us to face future challenges with greater guarantees, from new medical therapies to the energy transition or space exploration.
Inspiring vocations: a direct message to girls and young women who dream of space
One of the most recurring themes in Sara García's discourse is the promotion of scientific vocations, especially among girls and young women. She takes advantage of every public appearance to deliver a clear message: not setting self-imposed limitsignoring stereotypes and not letting the absence of close role models influence their decisions.
The researcher points out that there are no careers "for men" or "for women," and that STEM disciplines Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields need diverse profiles and perspectives to continue progressing. She asserts that anyone, regardless of gender, can pursue these fields with the right opportunities, support, and training.
In his opinion, pursuing what truly motivates and makes you happy is a safe bet, even if the path is demanding and full of challenges. In the case of space exploration and research, he acknowledges that it requires a lot of dedication, but emphasizes that the The effort is worth it. when one manages to contribute, however small, to improving knowledge and collective well-being.
The scientist also highlights the role of educational institutions and outreach initiatives in the reducing the gender gap. Specific programs such as educational games for childrenMentoring and raising the profile of female role models in science and technology help more girls consider career options that, until recently, seemed far beyond their reach.
For García, every conversation with students, every talk in educational centers, and every meeting like the one organized in Salamanca are opportunities to reinforce this idea: the Talent is distributed equallyAnd what is needed is for the system to offer ways for that talent to develop on equal terms, both in laboratories and in the command cabins of future space missions.
This entire personal and professional journey paints a clear picture: that of a scientist who combines laboratory work with space training, who champions excellence in the Spanish research and takes very seriously the responsibility of serving as a role model for new generations. His stated dream of taking national science into space encapsulates a collective ambition: that the knowledge, projects, and teams currently working at centers like the University of Salamanca (USAL) or the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) will cross the atmospheric boundary and contribute, from there, to further expanding our understanding of life, health, and the universe.
