Federico Mayor Zaragoza, a key figure in education and science in Spain, has passed away.

Federico Mayor Zaragoza, one of the most emblematic figures in education and culture in Spain, has passed away at the age of 90, leaving a legacy that will endure over time. His death, confirmed by the Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, has shocked many who remember him not only as a prominent politician but also as an academic and a defender of science and education in the country. Born in Barcelona in 1934, Mayor Zaragoza had an impressive academic career that led him to earn a doctorate in Pharmacy from the Complutense University of Madrid. His academic career took off when he was appointed rector of the University of Granada from 1968 to 1972, where he promoted a series of reforms that modernized the institution and made it a benchmark in the Spanish educational sphere. His vision of education as a driver of social progress was a cornerstone of his management. Mayor Zaragoza also distinguished himself in the field of scientific research. His role as vice president and later acting president of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) was crucial for the development of science in Spain. His push for the creation of the Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Center (CBMSO), one of the most important research institutions in molecular biology, is a testament to his commitment to science and innovation. In the political arena, Mayor Zaragoza had an equally notable career. He served as Undersecretary of Education and Science during the government of Carlos Arias Navarro in the Franco dictatorship, a position that allowed him to influence the country's educational policies at a crucial moment in its history. After the democratic transition, he was elected as a deputy in the Spanish Parliament for the Union of the Democratic Center (UCD) during the first democratic elections, and later became a deputy in the European Parliament for the Democratic and Social Center (CDS). His commitment to education and science was also reflected in his work as Director-General of UNESCO from 1987 to 1999. During his time in this international organization, Mayor Zaragoza advocated for education as a fundamental right and worked on initiatives that promoted access to education worldwide, especially in developing countries. His legacy at UNESCO is remembered for its humanistic approach and dedication to peace and sustainable development. The news of his passing has been met with great sadness in academic and political circles. Javier Padilla, Secretary of State for Health, highlighted in his social media message the importance of Mayor Zaragoza's work in promoting neonatal screening in Spain, an advancement that has saved numerous lives and demonstrates the impact of his work on public health. This recognition underscores the multidimensional nature of his career, which spanned both education and health, always with a focus on societal well-being. The death of Federico Mayor Zaragoza not only leaves a void in politics and academia but also reminds us of the importance of his legacy. At a time when the debate over education and science is more relevant than ever, his vision of the need to invest in these sectors takes on special significance. His life was an example of how knowledge and politics can unite to create meaningful change in society. It is essential that future generations of politicians and academics draw inspiration from his example and continue his fight for quality education and accessible science for all. In a world where global challenges are becoming increasingly complex, the work of figures like Mayor Zaragoza becomes essential for building a more just and sustainable future. The legacy of Federico Mayor Zaragoza will endure in the institutions he helped build and in the policies he promoted. His vision of a more educated and equitable world will continue to inspire those who believe in the transformative power of knowledge. His memory will live on in every step taken towards a more inclusive educational system and in every advancement in science that benefits humanity.