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Sir Martyn Poliakoff awarded with the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by NOVA

On 22nd July, NOVA University Lisbon awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Sir Martyn Poliakoff. The ceremony of conferment was held at Rectorate of NOVA University Lisbon, Campolide Campus.

Professor Ana Aguiar Ricardo, from the Department of Chemistry of NOVA Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA), gave the laudation speech and Professor Manuel Nunes da Ponte, also from the Department of Chemistry of FCT NOVA, was the patron of the laureate.

In her speech, Professor Ana Aguiar Ricardo featured Sir Martyn Poliakoff as a global science ambassador and a leader in Sustainable Chemistry for his “major contributions to the development of cleaner processes, reducing the risk of the environmental impact that undermines the sustainability of the planet”.

Ana Aguiar Ricardo also pointed out this award is a "strengthening of science on a world scale", as Martyn is one of the most recognized chemistry professors in the world, a "superstar of chemistry", who has inspired and motivated generations of students by getting across the message of Green Chemistry, which he continues to do through his YouTube videos.

The Rector of NOVA, Professor João Sàágua, closed the session and highlighted not only Martyn's pioneering research work, which features over 400 scientific articles, but also the success of his public service as an academic and ambassador for Sustainable Chemistry and Science on a global scale, embodying the idea that "scientists have responsibilities that go beyond the laboratory work and submission of papers, and that Chemistry (and chemists) can change the world in many ways. A sense of mission that lifts up and inspires men and women to make an impactful contribution towards social, economic and sustainable development and with which our University definitely relates to, in its core principles and vision".