Distinguished Cajalian | From Earth to Mars: planetary geology and the ethics of the cosmos
Distinguished personality for their exceptional contribution to science and the dissemination of the Cajal Legacy.
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Contribution to the Cajal Legacy: If Cajal explored the universe of neurons, Dr. Martinez Frias applies that same insatiable curiosity to the exploration of the physical Universe. He is Spain’s foremost expert in Planetary Geology and Astrobiology, taking Spanish science to NASA and ESA missions. His figure embodies the interdisciplinarity that Cajal championed: the union of geology, biology, and ethics. As president of the International Commission on Geoethics, he advocates for a science with conscience, protecting both our planet and the worlds we have yet to discover.
Lecture Topics:
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Mars and Earth: Terrestrial analogs for understanding the Red Planet.
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The Origin of Life: Meteorites, astrobiology, and the search for our origins.
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Geoethics: Humanity’s responsibility in space exploration.
Jesus Martinez Frias holds a Doctorate in Geological Sciences and is an expert in Meteorites, Planetary Geology, and Astrobiology. He carries out his research at the Institute of Geosciences (IGEO), a joint center of the CSIC and the Complutense University of Madrid.
He is the founder and president of the Spanish Network of Planetology and Astrobiology (REDESPA), the leading platform that brings together space researchers in Spain. His international career is outstanding, having participated in NASA missions (such as the Curiosity rover) and ESA missions, and serving as an astronaut instructor at the Lanzarote Geopark.
Beyond his scientific work, he is a world leader in scientific ethical thinking, serving as president of the International Association of Geoethics (IAGETH). His work demonstrates that Spanish scientific excellence knows no limits, not even the sky.
