Santiago Ramón y Cajal passed away on October 17, 1934, at 82, and despite the country’s modest scientific tradition, his death was widely mourned. In his final wishes, he donated his medals, books, and scientific instruments to the Cajal Institute, ensuring his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
This Cajal Legacy includes over 28,000 items from himself and his pupils, such as drawings, manuscripts, photos, and histological preparations. With Nobel medals, scientific tools, and more, it’s a living heritage still vital to research today, blending historical and ongoing scientific value.
In 2015, a committee of neuroscientists from Spain and Australia proposed the archives of Santiago Ramón y Cajal and his prominent disciples as UNESCO World Heritage. With broad support, including from King Felipe VI and global scientific institutions, UNESCO accepted the proposal on December the 1st, 2017. The archives now join the ranks of historical scientific treasures, honoring Cajal’s legacy alongside figures like Newton and Darwin.
Recently, in June 2024, the Spanish Government approved the creation of the future Cajal’s Museum, which will be set in Madrid. This initiative has the purpose of exhibition, conservation and custody of Cajal’s legacy, as well as, cataloguing and restoration of any collections of historical, artistic, scientific or technical value that are part of its funds.
More information:
- Cajal’s legacy has been inventoried and you can search his items here.
- And you can find more information about his Legacy on this publication.
