Margarita Salas (Canero, Asturias, 1938 – Madrid, 2019) was a scientist specialized in molecular biology and genetics. She is known for her pioneering work in DNA replication, particularly in the study of the bacteriophage Phi29. In fact, she was the first scientist to completely sequence the vital genome.
Throughout her career, she held academic and research positions in various institutions, including the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). She also founded the Laboratory of Molecular Virology at the Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Center and the biotechnology company “DNA Biotechnology,” which focused on the development of molecular biology applications.
Salas was an influential figure in the scientific community and a reference for female scientists in Spain and around the world. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and recognitions, and her legacy endures as an example of scientific excellence, becoming a symbol of empowerment for women in the scientific world.