We are proud to announce that Professor Elvira Fortunato has been invited to serve as a Patron for the 8th edition of the Caixa Mais Mundo Program, an initiative by Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) dedicated to promoting academic merit and equal opportunities in Higher Education.
Since its inception in 2019, the program has played a vital role in the Portuguese educational landscape. This year, it will support 600 students with a global investment of €780 000. A key pillar of the initiative is its focus on socio-economic vulnerability, ensuring that talented students have the financial means to complete their degrees.
A Personal Legacy in Education
As a Patron, Professor Fortunato’s name will be associated with a group of scholarships awarded to students currently in their first year of Higher Education. Each student will receive an annual grant of €1,500 for three years, provided they maintain academic success.
"It is an honor to join a list of patrons that includes some of the most significant figures in our history and culture, such as Mário Soares, Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, and José Saramago," says Professor Fortunato. "These scholarships do more than recognize merit; they create real conditions for young talents to pursue their dreams, regardless of their economic background."
Impact in Numbers
Over eight editions, the Caixa Mais Mundo program has:
- Invested over €3 million in merit awards.
- Benefited more than 2 600 students.
- Promoted social mobility and inclusive access to knowledge.
The official ceremony took place on May 11th at the CGD Foundation. For i3N, this recognition reinforces our mission not only to lead in materials science but to inspire the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of our society.