NOVA University Lisbon received with deep regret the news of the passing of Professor Fernando Santana.
As Director of FCT NOVA, between 2006 and 2018, he contributed decisively and passionately to the development and national and international prestige of the School. He was a leader in promoting a culture of development and valorization of research, modernized and innovated the science and engineering school without forgetting the civic and cultural training of students, which he supported in a remarkable way.
Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, “he is remembered as an inspiring teacher, and he knew how to develop the teaching of environmental engineering for increasingly complex challenges.”
In addition to his pedagogical and scientific activity at FCT NOVA, Professor Fernando Santana held numerous positions in which he promoted science, research and environmental causes and projected the image of NOVA and the Portuguese Academy internationally.
He was Founding President of the Academy of Engineering, Member of the National Water Council and Member of the Council of Euro-CASE (European Council of Academies of Applied Sciences, Technologies and Engineering). He was National Director of the University of Texas Program in Austin | Portugal, from the Foundation for Science and Technology (MCTES). He was Director of Jornal Água & Ambiente. He represented the Ministry of the Environment in the governing body of the Cabinet, which, on behalf of the State, negotiated the concession and, subsequently, the supervision of the construction of the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
In 2015 he was decorated by the President of the Republic with the rank of Grand Officer of the Order of Public Education, and in 2016 he was distinguished by the City Council of Almada with the Gold Medal of the City.
"I deeply regret the loss of a great academic and an academic leader of NOVA University Lisbon, a colleague and a personal friend", words of João Sàágua, the Rector of NOVA, who sends his condolences to the whole family.
NOVA is in mourning and expresses the most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Professor Fernando Santana.