FLAD awards the Rui Machete Prize to the IEP
The Institute for Political Studies at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (IEP-UCP) has been awarded the FLAD Rui Machete Prize, presented for the first time by the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) to individuals or institutions that have distinguished themselves through their contribution to the development of transatlantic relations.
The award highlights the IEP’s 30 years of service to teaching and research in Political Science and International Relations, with a particular focus on transatlantic ties and the values that unite Portugal and the United States of America.
“The award of the Rui Machete Prize by the Luso-American Foundation for Development is a great honour for the Institute of Political Studies at the Portuguese Catholic University. It represents recognition of 30 years of service to teaching and research in Political Science and International Relations, with a strong focus on transatlantic ties and the values that unite Portugal and the United States of America,” says Mónica Dias, director of the IEP.
“Este Prémio é para nós motivo de sincera alegria e de redobrada responsabilidade na missão educativa, tendo em conta os desafios singulares que enfrentamos no presente”, acrescenta a responsável.
Mónica Dias also expressed her gratitude for the award on behalf of “the teachers, staff and students of yesterday and today, who have made a decisive contribution to the growth and national and international reputation of this school”, emphasising that this recognition “motivates us even more to forge new paths between the two sides of the Atlantic”.
The FLAD Rui Machete Award, established to mark the 40th anniversary of the Luso-American Foundation for Development, awards a cash prize of 100,000 euros every two years to individuals or institutions that stand out for their contribution to the development of transatlantic relations.
Created in 2024 on the initiative of the then President of FLAD, Nuno Morais Sarmento, the Prize aims to pay tribute to Rui Machete, who chaired the Foundation between 1988 and 2010 and played a decisive role in consolidating its mission and promoting Luso-American cooperation.
The jury, chaired by José Manuel Durão Barroso, comprises Cristina Fonseca, Estela Barbot, José Arantes, José Maria Ivo, Luís Amado, Maria João Avillez, Mariana Van Zeller and Vítor Cruz.
The winner was chosen unanimously; however, as the jury president is also President of FLAD and the organisation has links with the potential candidates, he did not take part in the nomination process or the vote.
Commenting on the decision, Luís Amado, spokesperson for the jury, stated:
“In unanimously deciding to award the Rui Machete Prize to the Institute of Political Studies at the Catholic University, the jury recognises the academic and institutional work carried out by the IEP in support of transatlantic relations.”
It adds that, over the last three decades, “the IEP has developed an extensive programme of activities that has contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral relations between Portugal and the US. Since its foundation, the IEP has helped to strengthen cooperation between the two countries through knowledge, study and the dissemination of their respective academic, scientific, cultural and educational realities.”
The jury also took into account “the current moment, which is particularly sensitive for the future of the Atlantic Alliance and relations between the United States and Europe”, highlighting the IEP’s work in this area.