Irene Flunser Pimentel  was one of the personalities awarded the Portuguese Society of Authors 2025 Medal of Honour ‘for her outstanding contribution to culture’.

The tribute took place on 22 May, as part of the celebration of Portuguese Authors’ Day and the Centenary of the Portuguese Society of Authors (SPA). At the hands of José Jorge Letria, President of the SPA, Renato Júnior (posthumously), Alfredo Cunha, António Gameiro Marques (National Security Office), Margarida Mano, Raquel Henriques da Silva, and Vítor Serrão were also honoured. The following institutions also received a Medal of Honour: Bordalo Pinheiro – Vista Alegre, Óbidos Literary Festival, Livraria Lello Foundation, Mário Soares and Maria Barroso Foundation, Oriente Foundation, and the Jornal do Fundão.

The IHC researcher has a doctorate in Institutional History and Contemporary Politics from the FCSH and has worked on various topics related mainly to the Estado Novo and its repressive regime, World War II and women’s history. Throughout her career, she has been awarded several prizes, as well as the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the Government of France.

In 2018, Fernando Rosas received the same honour.

Photo: Irene Flunser Pimentel at the SPA’s ceremony (Credit: © Jaime Serôdio/SPA)