Last Friday, the Técnico alumnus and former European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, engineer Carlos Moedas, received University of Coimbra Award 2020. “He has a considerable national and international reputation”, said the rector of the University of Coimbra, professor Amílcar Santos, in announcing the winner last Friday, February 7.

Professor Amílcar Santos stressed the importance of the work carried out by engineer Carlos Moedas, from 2014 until 2019, “in favour of science, innovation and research”, namely the Horizon 2020 programme, and recalled the European commissioner legacy, which “largely contributed to new scientific breakthroughs”. “Our choice naturally veered towards someone who has enhanced the role of science in public policy decisions in Europe”.

This award was created in 2004 and aims to recognise a Portuguese citizen “who has made outstanding contributions to the fields of culture or science”. The award amounts to €25.000 and will be delivered on 1st March, during the 730th anniversary of University of Coimbra.