Maria Leonor Beleza

President of the Champalimaud Foundation

Leonor Beleza is a graduate of the University of Lisbon Law School, where she has also worked as an Assistant Professor. During a distinguished professional career she has held a number of high-profile public offices. Among other positions, she was Secretary of State of the Presidency of the Cabinet (1982-83), Secretary of State for Social Security (1983-85), and Minister of Health (1985-1990) in the Portuguese Government. She has been elected as a Member of Parliament on several occasions and on two occasions she has served as Vice-President of the Parliament (1991-94, 2002-2005). In addition to her prominent role in public affairs Mrs Beleza has also played an active role in the private sector.

In 2004, Leonor Beleza was appointed President of the Champalimaud Foundation by the will of Mr António Champalimaud.

Leonor Beleza (right) with James Watson, Head of the Champalimaud Scientific Committee