Cambridge scientist Dr Marta Shahbazi dies in Spain train crash that killed 69

Dr Marta Shahbazi, an affiliate associate professor at the University of Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, died in Wednesday's train collision near Urda, Toledo province, Spain. The crash killed at least 69 people and injured dozens more. Shahbazi was en route to a conference to receive an award for scientific excellence in developmental biology. Her death has prompted tributes from colleagues who described her as an inspiring researcher. The accident is one of Spain's deadliest rail disasters in decades, raising questions about rail safety and infrastructure. Shahbazi's work on early embryo development had gained international recognition. Her loss is a blow to the scientific community, cutting short a promising career. The tragedy underscores the human cost of the crash and the fragility of life, even for those at the forefront of discovery.