The President of the Republic sent a congratulatory message to scientist Maria do Carmo Fonseca, who has been awarded the Pessoa 2010 Prize.

Following is the text of the message addressed by President Aníbal Cavaco Silva:

"I address my warmest greetings to scientist Maria do Carmo Fonseca, awarded with the Pessoa 2010 Prize.

Director of the Institute of Molecular Medicine of Lisbon University, which I had the occasion to visit in 2008, Maria do Carmo Fonseca and the team she coordinates are distinguished by the originality and pioneering of their research on the function of genes in space and time.

Her example, now justly recognized by this highly prestigious prize, must serve as an incentive to all young researchers, since it shows that in Portugal it is possible, with effort, dedication and talent, to develop scientific and technological projects of great relevance for the future Science on a worldwide scale.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"