Blanco Luis

Luis Blanco is a Research Professor at the Spanish Research Council (CSIC), with a career spanning over four decades. Since 1998, he has led a research group at CBMSO-CSIC in Madrid, focusing on DNA replication, repair, and polymerase characterization. His work bridges fundamental molecular biology and biotechnological applications, particularly in DNA amplification methods.

• 2006–present: Research Professor, CSIC
• 1998–2006: Research Scientist/Group Leader, CBMSO-CSIC, Madrid
• 1988–1998: Staff Scientist, CSIC
• 1986–1988: Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Blanco’s research has revolutionized understanding of DNA polymerases, including the discovery of Phi29 DNA polymerase (1984), human Pol μ (2000), Pol λ (2002), and PrimPol (2013). His work on protein-primed replication and isothermal amplification techniques has enabled breakthroughs in genome analysis and synthetic DNA production.

His innovations in biotechnology include the TruePrime™ method, developed through collaborations with Sygnis and Genetrix. These efforts led to the creation of X-Pol Biotech S.L. (2008), which evolved into 4BASEBIO (listed on London and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges).

• 2014: Carmen & Severo Ochoa Award in Molecular Biology
• 1985: PhD Extraordinary Award, Autonomous University of Madrid
• 1980: B.A. Extraordinary Award, Santiago de Compostela University