Professor Paula Vilarinho, President of the Federation of European Materials Societies (FEMS), has been honoured with the 4th edition of the Maria Manuela Oliveira Award, presented by the Portuguese Society of Materials (SPM).

The award was presented on 4 November 2026, during the World Materials Day celebrations at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), Portugal. Professor Luís Pereira, Vice-President of SPM, presented the distinction.

Professor Vilarinho’s career combines research in functional materials with teaching, scientific leadership and service to the materials community. An Associate Professor at the University of Aveiro and Vice-Director of CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, she leads research on electroceramics, including ferroelectric materials and their applications in sensors and other functional technologies.

As FEMS President for 2026–2027, Professor Vilarinho also contributes to strengthening cooperation among European materials societies and advancing the visibility of materials science and engineering.

The award ceremony formed part of a programme organised by SPM and the Portuguese Order of Engineers, bringing together the materials community to exchange knowledge and celebrate scientific achievement.

FEMS warmly congratulates Professor Vilarinho on this distinction and recognition of her contributions to materials science and engineering.