Women in DONES (WiD), a group made up of women professionals involved in the DONES Programme, has presented Sara García Alonso with an award in recognition of her outstanding scientific career and her contribution to science communication and the promotion of STEM careers among younger generations.

“The important thing is to be brave. If you like something, if you’re curious, don’t limit yourselves. Pursue what motivates you so that it can become a real possibility,” García Alonso said after receiving the award.

The researcher and astronaut was welcomed by IFMIF-DONES Director Moisés Weber at the Quinta Alegre Palace. A group of young girls also attended the event, witnessing first-hand the recognition presented to Sara García Alonso by Women in DONES. The award celebrated not only her professional achievements, but also the values she represents: a passion for knowledge, perseverance, the ability to overcome challenges, and a commitment to sharing science with society. Her career shows that great advances always begin with a question, a desire to understand the world, and the determination to keep exploring new horizons.

“Through Women in DONES, we wanted to recognise Sara García Alonso’s career for its extraordinary combination of scientific excellence, commitment to research, and ability to inspire,” said Irene Álvarez, WiD President.

For the Women in DONES community, Sara García Alonso embodies the spirit that drives both science and transformative projects such as IFMIF-DONES: the belief that progress stems from curiosity, teamwork, and the desire to push the boundaries of knowledge.

“Through the IFMIF-DONES project, we are creating the heart of a star to go further and further, seeking solutions that improve people’s lives,” Sara García Alonso said about the project.

This tribute also aims to recognise the impact of role models who inspire girls and young people to pursue scientific careers, showing that research, engineering, and technology offer a wealth of opportunities to those who choose to explore them.

Because, as Sara García Alonso’s career demonstrates, the journey from a cell to the stars can begin with the same thing: human curiosity.

The recognition of Sara García Alonso adds to those previously presented to CIEMAT Director General Yolanda Benito, former University of Granada Rector Pilar Aranda, former Acting Head of the Broader Approach Department at Fusion for Energy Susana Clement, and researcher Ángela García.

Sara García Alonso holds a PhD in Molecular Cancer Biology and Translational Research from the University of Salamanca. Since 2019, she has been conducting research at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), where she takes part in projects aimed at discovering new treatments for lung and pancreatic cancer. Her scientific career also has an international and outreach dimension, making her a leading figure in bringing science closer to society.

In November 2022, she was selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) as a member of its Astronaut Reserve, becoming the first Spanish woman to achieve this distinction. Since then, she has combined her scientific work with ESA’s training programme and an extensive science communication effort, particularly focused on inspiring girls and young women to explore scientific and technological fields.