Luís Oliveira e Silva, a Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico and the coordinator of the Group of Lasers and Plasmas, at the Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion (IPFN) received the Blaise Pascal Medal in Physics on 30 October, at a ceremony hosted by the Lisbon Academy of Sciences.
The award established by the European Academy of Sciences (EURASC) recognises his “exceptional contributions to plasma physics, particularly in the realm of laser and particle beam interactions. This medal emphasises the importance of his scientific contribution to the advancement of plasma physics at a global level,’ according to a statement issued by the European institution.
Throughout his research career, Luís Oliveira e Silva played a decisive role in developing plasma accelerators and studying plasmas under extreme conditions. Since his return to Portugal in 2001, he has established a research team that has positioned Técnico at the forefront of plasma physics research. In addition to the scientific impact of his work, the researcher is widely recognised for his dedication to training new generations of scientists and promoting physics in international scientific forums.
The European Academy of Sciences also highlighted his ‘unwavering dedication to advancing plasma physics, coupled with his transformative research and leadership, epitomizes the spirit of innovation and excellence celebrated by the Blaise Pascal Medal in Physics. His profound impact on the field underscores his richly deserved recognition as a recipient of this prestigious award.’
With a degree and doctorate from Instituto Superior Técnico, Luís Oliveira e Silva has developed his scientific and academic activity at UCLA, Técnico and the University of Oxford. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford, Department of Physics. He has received two Advanced Grants from the European Research Council (2010 and 2015), the 2009 Young Scientist distinction at the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos, the IBM Scientific Award in 2003 and the 2001 Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics Medal for Excellence in Nonlinear Plasma Physics by a Young Researcher.
He is a member of the World Economic Forum and the Global Young Academy. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society, a fellow of the European Physical Society and a fellow of the European Academy of Sciences. He is a Corresponding Member of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences. He was honoured as a Grand Officer of the Order of Public Instruction by the President of the Portuguese Republic in 2016. He was President of the Scientific Council of Instituto Superior Técnico from 2013 to 2020.
The Blaise Pascal Medal recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to science, technology, and research education. Previous recipients include Professor Anne L’Huillier, winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2023, who visited Técnico recently.
The European Academy of Sciences established the Blaise Pascal Medal in 2003 to promote scientific excellence and honour researchers whose studies promote the development of new technologies and methodologies that contribute to scientific and social progress. The Medal is named in honour of Blaise Pascal, a 17th century French mathematician and physicist whose contributions to mathematics, physics and philosophy have had a lasting impact on modern science and technology.
