On 13 October, at a dinner party, the IHC paid tribute to the first Emeritus Researchers in its history: António Pedro Vicente, António Reis, Augusto Fitas, and Maria Cândida Proença. Only António Pedro Vicente and Augusto Fitas were able to attend the meeting.

António Pedro Vicente, António Reis and Maria Cândida Proença, all retired professors from the NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities, were “among the main people responsible for the affirmation of the IHC in the field of contemporary history — and for the growth of contemporary historiography itself in Portugal — with their work and services to the Institute”, the Board’s letter read. Regarding Augusto Fitas, a retired professor from the University of Évora, the IHC’s Board of Directors considered that he was “one of the main people responsible for the consolidation of the History of Science in Portugal, namely through the foundation and affirmation of the Centre for the Study of the History and Philosophy of Science, to which the IHC is indebted”.

The four researchers honoured were nominated by the IHC Scientific Committee at its most recent meeting in September, following the creation of this status in the IHC Regulations approved at the General Assembly in December 2022. Emeritus Researchers may be those researchers who have played a major role in the life of the IHC.

Pictures by Dilar Cascalheira and Pedro Aires Oliveira