The distinction, presented at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, marks the first year of Esquire Portugal magazine in the country and recognizes outstanding personalities in various areas of Portuguese society. Esquire Portugal thus honors a joint scientific career, combining cutting-edge research, innovation with social impact, and international projection of national science.
The researchers expressed their gratitude and pride, highlighting the importance of recognizing science. "Science is not a separate world: it is part of our culture, our economy, and the future we want to build," they stated. They emphasized the special significance of the award for recognizing a journey built together over more than three decades, shared with students, researchers, and technicians from CENIMAT|i3N at NOVA FCT, which has made it an international reference in transparent and sustainable electronics.
They further affirmed that this award demonstrates that it is possible to conduct frontier science in Portugal, transform knowledge into innovation, and create opportunities for young people. "More than a recognition of the past, we see this award as an incentive to continue dreaming, taking risks, and contributing to increasingly sustainable, inclusive, and society-close science," they added.
This award joins other national and international distinctions that recognize the work developed by the two researchers for over 30 years at the Campus de Caparica. In 2008, they introduced the paper transistor to the world, establishing themselves as global leaders in transparent and sustainable electronics, an area where NOVA FCT is recognized worldwide today.
Their work shows that science made in Portugal can be at the global forefront, paving the way for more sustainable electronics that are increasingly present in everyone's daily lives.
