Scientist Maria do Carmo Fonseca will be the national representative of António José Seguro’s presidential candidacy, who argues that “public life cannot only be made up of politicians” and wants women to take on more protagonism.
According to information provided to the Lusa agency for the candidacy, the doctor, researcher and full professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon was António José Seguro’s choice for his national representative in the race to Belém on January 18th of next year.
“Maria do Carmo Fonseca is the expression of the nature of my candidacy: independent, inclusive and aggregating. Public life cannot only be made up of politicians. My idea of Portugal is based on knowledge, science, education and culture”, explains Seguro, quoted in a note sent to Lusa.
The objective of the presidential candidate supported by the PS is “to bring the best into public life”, considering that Maria do Carmo Fonseca “is one of our best”.
“I want women to assume more protagonism and leadership in the life of our country. Public life and quality politics require diversity in leadership. I am very honored by their trust and support”, states Seguro.
On the same note, the president justifies having accepted this invitation with the fact that she wants “a future built with intelligence, courage and independence”.
“I want a President who values science, education and culture as living forces capable of transforming Portugal. I want a President with vision, who serves the country and not vested interests”, emphasizes Maria do Carmo Fonseca.
The scientist was awarded the Pessoa Prize in 2010 and was also president of the João Lobo Antunes Institute of Molecular Medicine (iMM), an institution of “world reference that she helped to found and consolidate”.
“Throughout her career, Maria do Carmo Fonseca has distinguished herself for the excellence of her research in the area of molecular biology, in particular in the study of RNA splicing and the genetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression — discoveries that have profound implications for the understanding and treatment of human diseases”, states the CV note provided by the application.