NOVA University Lisbon celebrated its 45th birthday yesterday with a ceremony in the Rectorate that was attended by several members of the academic community.
The ceremony started with a speech by the Rector, Prof. João Sàágua, who emphasized the importance of the recognition of the talent of students, professors, researchers and non-academic staff. The President of the General Council, Dr. Estela Barbot, and Manuel Felgueiras e Sousa, President of the Students' Association of the New School of Business and Economics, representing the Students Council, also delivered speeches in this ceremony.
In this ceremony, NOVA also awarded medals of merit to three figures as a form of public recognition of relevant services provided to the University. Those were Dr. Nuno Fernandes Tomás, Prof. Virgílio do Rosário and Prof. Doctor Leonard Amaral. Four scientists who received grants from the European Research Council last year were also honored, namely Prof. Mariana Gomes de Pinho, Dr. Cláudia Nunes dos Santos, both of NOVA Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology, Prof. Isabel Ferreira from NOVA School of Science and Technology, and Prof. Elvira Fortunato, Vice-Rector of NOVA and also a professor at NOVA School of Science and Technology.
As in previous years, NOVA Day also had a moment in which the NOVA doctorates in the last year were invited to receive the insignia. The imposition of the insignia was done by the Rector and the Directors of the various teaching units of NOVA.
The ceremony ended with a tribute to students who excelled in the areas of Entrepreneurship and Sport.
