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July 2019 | Bulletin num.113 |
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Margarita Salas, European Inventor Award 2019Recognition for her research work in the field of genetics and molecular biology The Spanish scientific community has good reasons to celebrate because one of its most prominent figures, Margarita Salas Falgueras, was awarded with two of the six prizes that constitute the ‘European Inventor Award’, organized by the European Patent Office (EPO). Her achievement is even greater if we consider that this is the first time in the history of this prestigious award, 14 years, that two prizes go to the same person. The long and fruitful career of this tireless researcher made her worthy of the award in the category ‘Lifetime achievement’, an international recognition for the work that she has been developing in the field of genetics and molecular biology. Among the most decisive moments of it, we would like to highlight the enzyme DNA polymerase discovery, which allows the DNA amplification in a fast and reliable way and makes possible the analysis, sequencing and study of small DNA samples. Of course, this progress has had a direct impact in relevant fields such as forensic, criminology and palaeontology. In addition, the Patent ES2103741T has been created as a result of these studies and it is up to now the most profitable patent in the history of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC, by its Spanish acronym), the research center where Margarita Salas is still working at present. Our dear compatriot is valued both by its professional and personal worth, reason why she was also awarded with the ‘Popular Prize’, thanks to the vote of more than 15,000 people. This award touched the scientist who expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her. The award ceremony was held at the Wiener Stadthalle of Vienna on June 20th 2019 and counted on the presence of 600 guests from different countries and professional fields. In addition to Margarita Salas, the jury awarded Klaus Feichtinger and Manfred Hackl (Austria), in the category ‘Industry’, for their work in plastic recycling; Jérôme Galon (France), in the category ‘Research’, for the development of a powerful tool for the colorectal cancer diagnosis; Akira Yoshino (Japan), in the category ‘Non-EPO countries’, for his lithium-ion batteries; and Rik Breur (Holland), in the category ‘SMEs’, for the development of a fibre wrap that avoids fouling on boat hulls. Additionally, we would like to underline that Antonio Corredor and Carlos Fermín Menéndez were also finalists, in the category ‘Industry’, for their ‘Cubipod’, an improved concrete mould that simplifies the construction of coast dykes and breakwaters. For the first time, there were two Spanish nominations in two different categories in the same edition of this prestigious award. It only remains for us to say, congratulations and thank you for a methodical constant well-done work that serve as an example for new generations. More information:
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