“The promotion of gender equality, more than a fad, is an obligation and a duty of civilisation”. These were the words of Rogério Colaço, president of Instituto Superior Técnico, in his speech at the opening session of the seventh edition of the Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo Award (PMLP), created to promote gender equality. The award ceremony took place on January 24, in the Great Hall, with the presence of the winners Marta Tomé and Elsa Abranches, in the Young Alumna and Role Model categories, respectively. Eminent personalities such as Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, Elvira Fortunato, Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education and Luís Ferreira, Rector of Universidade de Lisboa, attended the event.
Established in 2016, the Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo Award aims to promote the gender balance policy at Técnico and recognise women’s crucial role in all fields of Engineering. The Award is divided into two categories:
• Young Alumna, a young graduate from Técnico, aged under 27 years on 31st December of the year preceding the one to which the award refers, whose Master’s thesis has been distinguished for its scientific quality and whose academic performance at Técnico has been remarkable;
• Role Model, a former student who has completed her studies at Técnico for over 15 years and who has made outstanding contributions throughout her professional career.
Still on Rogério Colaço’s speech, the professor argued that “as a university, we must lead this civilisational change [of promoting gender equality]”. In doing so, “we are a freer, fairer and better society”. The president of Técnico concluded his speech by emphasising “at Técnico, female talent will always be welcomed, protected and cherished”.
The ceremony continued with a speech by Beatriz Silva, a professor at Técnico and co-coordinator of the Gender Balance group, from which arose the PMLP. “In this seventh edition of the award, the jury’s mission was once again challenging, largely due to the high quality of the candidates’ CVs” Both winners were presented by Alexandre Bernardino, also a professor at Técnico and co-coordinator of the Gender Balance group.
Marta Tomé, who completed her master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Técnico in 2021, admitted to being nervous at the start of her speech but gained confidence with every word. The winner of the Young Alumna category thanked her family and her boyfriend, a fellow student, and left “a special thanks to the protagonist of this event, Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo, who has been and always will be an example to all people and, in particular, to all women in this country”.
Regarding her academic career and professional experiences, Marta says “I’m lucky enough to say I haven’t experienced any discrimination. I know that, unfortunately, this isn’t the reality for many women, but it’s a small example that at least we’re moving in the right direction to combat discrimination”, she added. Marta also left a word of appreciation – “Técnico teaches us to face any adversity and overcome the most varied challenges; I could say that this is the main lesson we take with us”.
Elsa Abranches received the award in the Role Model category with “sincere gratitude”, thanking her family, colleagues and classmates, and sharing her academic and professional career. Her position as Senior Director and Head of Cell Therapy Bioprocess Development and Manufacturing, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Cell Therapy Department at AstraZeneca is the culmination of more than 20 years of research experience in Portugal and abroad. The starting point for this fruitful career was his PhD in Stem Cell Biotechnology, which he completed at Técnico in 2006.
Elsa highlighted “Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo always was and always will be an outstanding figure in Portuguese society”. “She left an unmistakable mark on our society by demonstrating that women can play leading roles in politics and contribute significantly to the progress of a nation.”
The rector of Universidade de Lisboa, Luís Ferreira, left “a word of praise” to Técnico in his speech. “Normally we boast about Técnico for its excellence in engineering, construction and innovation, but this event shows us that it is also a leader in other matters”, he said. “This leadership capacity, which pushes forward the rest of Universidade de Lisboa and the other universities in this country, should be emphasised here”, added the rector.
At the closing session of the ceremony, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, said – “I’ve prepared a very nice speech, but I think I’m going to improvise”. Addressing Marta Tomé, the President of the Republic emphasised the student’s “bright future”. About Elsa Abranches, he said “it’s been a long time since I haven’t heard such a well-crafted speech”.
Recalling that he had taught “at countless schools both inside and outside Portugal”, the President stressed – “the best school I taught at was Instituto Superior Técnico. It’s a great school and this award is an example of that”. Listing various Técnico alumni, such as Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo and António Guterres, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa considers that “Técnico leaves a mark on us forever”.
“This event was a truly unforgettable and pleasant experience”, said the President of the Portuguese Republic. “It was a great afternoon – many congratulations to Técnico and many congratulations to Elsa Abranches and Marta Tomé”, he added.
The award winners’ biographies and selection criteria are available here.
The session is available on Técnico YouTube channel:
