James Watson was an outstanding figure in science, having carried out crucial work in the discovery of the structure of DNA, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. His essential discoveries in the field of biology were decisive in shaping the course of Science as we know it today.

The distinction recognises in addition to Leonor Beleza’s outstanding contribution to strengthening the friendship between Portugal and France, her lifelong dedication to causes of shared importance including the promotion of democracy, the advancement of gender equality, the improvement of healthcare systems, and the support of medical and scientific research.

The ceremony took place at the French Embassy in Portugal, at the Palácio de Santos, in the presence of the highest-ranking dignitaries.

With profound sadness at the passing of Professor Jorge Cruz, we pay tribute to our colleague and our friend. He will be remembered not only as a surgeon but also for his enduring legacy as a teacher, mentor, and guide. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

This year’s event carried an added significance, as it marked the 15th anniversary of the inauguration of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, as well as the 385th year of Portugal’s Independence Restoration. These celebrations gave the day an even more symbolic and festive atmosphere, reinforcing the strong connection between the Foundation, the city of Lisbon, and Portugal's cultural heritage.

John Krakauer is a John C. Malone Professor and Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University, where he directs the Brain, Learning, Animation, and Movement Lab (BLAM Lab). He is also an External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute.

During this year’s António Champalimaud Vision Award ceremony, where Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and the SightFirst Program, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and the Fred Hollows Foundation were recognised, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, honoured two professionals from the Champalimaud Foundation for their outstanding contributions to the scientific and medical community.

These three institutions stand out for their complementary and comprehensive work, which over decades has promoted eye health and reduced the burden of visual impairment, especially in the most disadvantaged regions of the world. 

Following Episode 5 - Part 1, where we explored the hidden world of the hypothalamus and the “love hormone” oxytocin, this second part of Hedi’s conversation with neuroendocrinologist Gareth Leng takes us even deeper.

From the “love hormone” and maternal bonding, to why your brain is more like a quantum computer, discover the brain’s secret hormonal languages that drive your behaviour and keep you alive in Episode 5 (Part 1).

Following intro sessions that happened at schools back in February, nearly 200 8th-grade students from Escola do Alto do Lumiar (Lisboa) and Escola Dr. Azevedo Neves (Amadora) took part in a series of hands-on/minds-on experiments at both the GIMM Foundation and Champalimaud Foundation (CF) in March.