Julio R. Villanueva, microbiologist, researcher, and mentor of generations of scientists.

On November 21, 2017, Professor Julio R. Villanueva died in Salamanca. Born on April 27, 1928 in Villamayor, council of Piloña (Asturias), he lived almost to the age of 90. His was an accomplished life, full of endeavors and exciting works in the world of research and teaching, which earned him very broad recognition both in Spain and the international arena. Villanueva was undoubtedly the driving force of Fundamental Microbiology in Spain. His early steps came at a time when experimental biology was arriving at an important new age, using microbial systems for experimentation that lead to general conclusions about all living beings. The unveiling of the majority of biological phenomena came from the study of microbial systems. From this context Villanueva derived his motivation - he was always known for the energy he put into all his endeavors - to promote his research and create a scientific and academic school of thought. He tried to project his passion for research at the University at all costs, in a manner that was often timely, and other times not so much, and always proclaimed that only universities that research actively deserve their titles. To this purpose, he sought out the most highly qualified and motivated graduates to invite to join his group and pursue academic careers. We, his disciples, always felt the encouragement - and also the demand - to continually train in research, as an essential requirement of being a university professor. Few mentors have encouraged the lives of so many researchers, valuing above all else their virtues and motivation, with no interest other than for them to be the best. Committed to Spain reaching the highest scientific and academic levels, he also served in important positions, such as the Rector of the University of Salamanca. In his laboratory, a critical resource for microbial studies was initiated, creating the Spanish Type Culture Collection (CECT), which continues today at the University of Valencia. His efforts in favor of promoting research were also developed in collaboration with outstanding organizations, especially the Ramón Areces Foundation. He was tireless when participating on the selection committees for diverse educational and scientific awards, highlighted by the "Premio Principe (Princesa) de Asturias" for scientific and technical research, which he chaired for several years. And finally, it is also necessary to remember his performance as "full academician" and President of the Royal National Academy of Pharmacy (Spain). Prof. Villanueva always showed special appreciation for the living world as a whole, with its immense diversity despite the unity of essential processes that occur in all living things. In taxonomy, his name was given to a biological species, not microbial but of insects: A few years ago, the INBio (an important center in global biodiversity in Costa Rica) described a new species of fly, assigning the name of Mesorhaga villanuevi. Given the name by the Australian researcher Bickel, it is a small insect collected in the foothills of the Guanacaste mountain range. Without a doubt, Prof. Villanueva appreciated this designation of the exotic species. To better understand the key aspects of his life and work, we put the different phases in context with the circumstances in which they happened.