Margarita has been a world pioneer in molecular biology. Her findings have been key to enable DNA amplification and sequencing, a technology of uttermost importance for many applications (as the general public discovered during COVID). But not only has Margarita been an extraordinary scientist; she also excelled in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and outreach – a remarkable and early example of leadership in all of these areas. These achievements are even more outstanding if you consider the time and context (born in Asturias in 1939, Margarita obtained her PhD in the 60s). She is a true role model and inspiration.