08/06/2022

Former Portuguese minister receives Tiradentes Medal.

Professor Manuel Heitor, former Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal, today received the Tiradentes Medal, the highest honor granted by the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj). The ceremony, held in the Assembly's plenary hall, was presided over by the president of Alerj, Deputy André Ceciliano, and was attended by the director-general of IMPA, Marcelo Viana, as well as representatives from UFRJ, Fiocruz, FAPERJ, and the Consulate of Portugal.

As minister, Heitor invested in a series of initiatives to promote and strengthen scientific and academic cooperation between Portugal and Brazil, especially in relation to Rio de Janeiro. He is also recognized for expanding the higher education qualifications of the Portuguese population and for valuing careers linked to scientific research in the country.

In addition to leading the ministry, Heitor also served as Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Higher Education in Portugal. He is a Full Professor at the Instituto Superior Técnico of the University of Lisbon and has published over 130 scientific articles in the last 35 years.