The celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Universidade Portucalense were highlighted by the awarding of honorary doctorates to Maria Lúcia Amaral and Luís Portela, in recognition of two exceptional careers that have left their mark on Portugal in the fields of law, public life, science, innovation, and business development.
Maria Lúcia Amaral was honoured for her academic and institutional career dedicated to constitutional law and the defence of fundamental rights. A Full Professor at the Faculty of Law of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, she served as a Judge and Vice-President of the Constitutional Court, was the first woman to hold the office of Ombudsman and served in the 25th Constitutional Government as Minister for Home Affairs.
Luís Portela received the award in recognition of his contribution to science, innovation, and business development. A doctor and businessman, he led BIAL for several decades, driving forward biomedical research and the company’s international expansion. As the founder of the BIAL Foundation, he also distinguished himself through his support for scientific research and his involvement in the business, scientific, and humanities sectors.
The academic tributes were delivered by Manuel da Costa Andrade, former President of the Constitutional Court and lecturer at Universidade Portucalense, who was the sponsor of Maria Lúcia Amaral, and by Júlio Pedrosa, retired professor at the University of Aveiro and former Minister for Education, who was the sponsor of Luís Portela. Both highlighted the legacy, the achievements, and the public impact of the honourees’ careers.
The Formal Session also featured performances by the Lapa Chamber Choir and String Quartet, conducted by Filipe Veríssimo, Chapel Master of the Brotherhood of Lapa, who provided musical accompaniment for the various parts of the ceremony.
