For Elvira Fortunato, the last two decades have stood out as «remarkable moments in professional terms». If, on the one hand, assuming the position of Vice-Dean of the NOVA University of Lisbon, with research as a premise, was a real challenge; on the other, from a scientific and technological point of view, at a global level, it places her at a level of national excellence. Due to her scientific achievements, Elvira was decorated in 2010 with the rank of Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator. She was a pioneer in European research with regard to transparent electronics and in recent years she has won dozens of deserved awards and distinctions. The latest was the Horizon Impact Award 2020, given by the European Commission.
If you could choose, what would be the moments that have most marked the country and the world in these last 20 years?
In these last few years, the most striking event is the one we are still experiencing today, a pandemic like never before in the world. We were suddenly taken hostage by a highly contagious, silent and deadly virus. However, because efforts were pooled at a global level, a vaccine was obtained in record time. I think that this, on the one hand, negatively marks the fact that we have been confronted with this scourge, but on the other, it positively marks the role that science has had and will have on us.
Professionally, what has been the most decisive moment for you in these two decades?
In these two decades, the most important moments in professional terms were the two grants I won from the European Research Council, with a total value of €5.75m and the fact that I am Vice-Dean of the NOVA University of Lisbon for the area of research. The mentioned projects allowed me to consolidate areas that are quite important from a scientific and technological point of view worldwide, and the fact that I have functions at the highest level of the university is proving to be of great importance in my academic career.
In your opinion, what would be the great change that the country and the world would need to undergo in the next 20 years?
We are experiencing a global problem related to climate change and it is urgent that we change our habits. We, the scientists, end up having a great responsibility, as we are responsible for discovering new solutions that are more sustainable and minimise this great problem. In particular in the area of materials, using more and more sustainable materials, and processing technologies should be as environmentally friendly as possible. Sustainability is the keyword.
If you could choose, what would be the moments that have most marked the country and the world in these last 20 years?
In these last few years, the most striking event is the one we are still experiencing today, a pandemic like never before in the world. We were suddenly taken hostage by a highly contagious, silent and deadly virus. However, because efforts were pooled at a global level, a vaccine was obtained in record time. I think that this, on the one hand, negatively marks the fact that we have been confronted with this scourge, but on the other, it positively marks the role that science has had and will have on us.
Professionally, what has been the most decisive moment for you in these two decades?
In these two decades, the most important moments in professional terms were the two grants I won from the European Research Council, with a total value of €5.75m and the fact that I am Vice-Dean of the NOVA University of Lisbon for the area of research. The mentioned projects allowed me to consolidate areas that are quite important from a scientific and technological point of view worldwide, and the fact that I have functions at the highest level of the university is proving to be of great importance in my academic career.
In your opinion, what would be the great change that the country and the world would need to undergo in the next 20 years?
We are experiencing a global problem related to climate change and it is urgent that we change our habits. We, the scientists, end up having a great responsibility, as we are responsible for discovering new solutions that are more sustainable and minimise this great problem. In particular in the area of materials, using more and more sustainable materials, and processing technologies should be as environmentally friendly as possible. Sustainability is the keyword.
