In 2022, Sara García Alonso secured a position as a reserve astronaut for the European Space Agency, marking the first time a Spanish woman joined the European Astronaut Corps since Pedro Duque was selected in 1992. Her inclusion followed a rigorous evaluation process that scrutinized more than 22,500 candidates from across the European continent.
Academic Foundations and Cancer Research
Born in León, Spain, in 1989, García Alonso completed her undergraduate studies in biotechnology at the University of León in 2012. She continued at the same institution to earn a master's degree in biomedical and biological research in 2013. Her doctoral training took place at the University of Salamanca, where she conducted research through the Spanish National Research Council. In 2018, she was awarded a doctorate cum laude for her thesis on the nuclear biology of cancer and translational medicine, specifically investigating resistance mechanisms in ErbB receptors.
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Since 2019, García Alonso has served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Spanish National Center for Oncological Research. Working within the laboratory of Mariano Barbacid, she leads projects focused on experimental oncology and drug discovery. Her primary scientific output centers on identifying RAF1 selective degraders as therapeutic targets for lung and pancreatic cancers. Alongside her formal scientific roles, she completed a training programme at the IE Business School in Madrid in 2021 and has performed volunteer work for the Spanish Association Against Cancer.
Space Exploration Status
As a member of the 2022 European Space Agency Astronaut group, García Alonso holds the status of reserve astronaut. She maintains her ongoing research position in oncology while remaining available for specialized training should she be designated for a future mission. Her selection alongside fellow León native Pablo Álvarez Fernández represents a significant return of Spanish presence to the European astronaut programme.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, León, Spain
- Citizenship: Spain
- Current Occupation: Molecular biologist and researcher
- Education: University of León; University of Salamanca
- Major Award: Ada Byron Award (2023)
- Languages spoken: Spanish, English, French
- ESA status: Reserve astronaut, European Astronaut Corps
- Affiliations: Mensa International
Questions readers ask
What is Sara García Alonso's current role at the National Center for Oncological Research?
She has worked as a postdoctoral researcher there since 2019, specializing in drug discovery for lung and pancreatic cancers.
What does being a reserve astronaut for the European Space Agency involve?
As a reserve astronaut, she continues her professional career while standing ready to begin specific mission training if selected for a space flight.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Center for Oncological Research
- Educated at University of León, University of León and University of Salamanca
- Worked as researcher, molecular biologist and astronaut
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