Carmen Vela

Carmen Vela Olmo (born 25 March 1955) is a Spanish entrepreneur, researcher and former secretary of state of investigation, development and innovation.

Biography Born on 25 March 1955 in Sigüenza, Spain, she graduated in Chemical Sciences from the Faculty of Chemical Sciences of the Universidad Complutense of Madrid and specialised in Biochemistry. She stayed five years in the Department of Immunology of the , where she investigated allergy. Until October 2010 she was president of the Association of Women Researchers and Technologists (AMIT). From September 2010 until January 2012 she was president of the Spanish Society of Biotechnology (SEBIOT).

In January 2012, she became Secretary of State of Investigation, Development and Innovation, with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Luis de Guindos as minister of Economy and Competitiveness.

She is married and has two children.