Shahbazi is listed on the University of Cambridge website as a principal investigator at its Stem Cell Institute (CSCI).
Institute director Prof Bertie Gottgens said its community was “shocked and deeply saddened” by her death.
“Marta led her primary research group at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) alongside her roles as an affiliate principal investigator and affiliate assistant professor at the CSCI,” he said.
“Across both institutes, she was highly respected for her pioneering research on early human development and valued for her collaborative spirit.
“Her creativity, passion, and generosity will be greatly missed.”
The news of her death was first confirmed in a social media post by the CiMUS, based in Santiago de Compostela where Shahbazi’s aunt works.
Shahbazi undertook her PhD at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, before joining the University of Cambridge as a post-doctoral fellow and then the LMB in 2020.
The crash in Spain happened when a state-operated Renfe high-speed train smashed into the back of a stationary train operated by the Iryo company.
It is one of the worst rail disasters in Europe’s modern history, and Spain’s worst crash since 2013.
Three days of national mourning were declared in the country.
More than 540 people were on board both trains.