114 years of legacy celebrated in an afternoon of awards and tributes.

The Faculty of Sciences celebrated its 114th anniversary on April 29th with the celebration of CIÊNCIAS Day. The ceremony took place throughout the afternoon and was marked by the recognition of excellence, reflection on future challenges, and appreciation of the CIÊNCIAS community.

Lars Montelius, Professor Emeritus of Lund University and former Director General of the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga, was the keynote speaker at this event, which took place in the Grande Auditório de Ciências. In his lecture entitled “Science in Our Time: For People, Planet and Prosperity”, Montelius highlighted the importance of the role of universities and science in responding to the great social and technological transformations of today — from the explosion of IoT (Internet of Things) devices to artificial intelligence, and the transition to a greener and more sustainable society.

Montelius praised education at CIÊNCIAS, emphasizing that major social developments will challenge not only existing industrial models, but also current higher education systems.

For Luís Carriço, Faculty Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, CIÊNCIAS Day was an opportunity to thank the entire community for the work developed over the past year, which resulted "in as many or more successes than in previous years". The Director also highlighted that this date serves to honor the past, but above all to project the future of the institution.

José Maria Diogo, the president of the Students' Association of the Faculty of Sciences (AEFCL), emphasized that "it is in associativism that many of us learn that Science also has a social dimension. It is not enough to know it: it is necessary to make it accessible and understandable."

Distinctions were also awarded to students, professors, and staff, recognizing academic, sporting, and professional merit, highlighting dedication and active contribution to the prestige and excellence of the Faculty. Of particular note are the Reconhecimento pelo impacto na Comunidade de Ciências awarded to José Manuel Rebordão, and the Reconhecimento pelo Impacto de Ciências na Sociedade, awarded to Rui Agostinho.

The ceremony was complemented by a message from Luís Ferreira, Rector of the University of Lisbon, and culminated in a presentation by VicenTuna, the academic tuna group of the CIÊNCIAS. Following this, there was an opportunity for a moment of conviviality between the entire community and the guests, with the traditional toast of honor and sharing of the birthday cake, offered by the Association of Workers of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (ATFCUL).

CIÊNCIAS Day reaffirms the Faculty's commitment to the advancement of knowledge, the appreciation of its community, and the building of a more innovative, sustainable, and collaborative society.

Congratulations, CIÊNCIAS!