The European Academy of Sciences (EAC) established the Blaise Pascal Medal in 2003 to recognise individuals for their outstanding contributions to science, technology, and research education. One of the most recent recipients of this honour is Luís Oliveira e Silva, a full professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, for his “exceptional contributions to plasma physics, particularly in the realm of laser and particle beam interactions”, according to the EAC.

According to the text announcing the award, on May 13, “Professor Luis Silva’s 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”.

The medal will be awarded at the 2024 Symposium & Ceremony of the European Academy of Sciences, which will be held at the Lisbon Academy of Sciences, on October 29-30. During this event, Luís Oliveira e Silva will give a lecture on his areas of expertise.

In addition to being a full professor at Técnico, he is also a visiting professor at the University of Oxford. He conducts research in the Group of Lasers and Plasmas, at the Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion and was appointed IST Distinguished Professor in 2023.