Why creating this award?
An award in rheology named after Maria Teresa Cidade would be a fitting tribute to her extensive contributions and leadership in the field. Graduating in Chemical Engineering and obtaining her PhD and Habilitation in Polymer Engineering, Cidade’s career has been marked by pioneering research in the synthesis, characterization, and rheological properties of polymers. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of liquid crystalline polymers and their applications. As the former President of the Portuguese Society of Rheology, she played a crucial role in promoting rheology both nationally and internationally, fostering collaborations, and elevating the scientific community’s standards. Her dedication to mentoring young scientists and her involvement in organizing key rheology conferences further highlight her impact. Naming an award after her would honor her legacy and inspire future generations in the field of rheology.
The concept of the MTC Award
The MTC Award shall be auspiced by the SPR and shall be awarded, usually on a biannual basis but in any event not more often, at the Iberian Meeting on Rheology (IBEREO). The recognition may be awarded to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the field of rheology, helping to promote Portuguese institutions nationally and internationally, provided that nominee has not previously received the award. There is no restriction as to the age of the recipient. The MTC Award will be launched in 2026.
Prize: An award plaque, 2-years of SPR membership (until next IBEREO) and 1000 € paid by bank transfer to the awardee.
MTC Award Committee
The President shall appoint the MTC Award Committee. The Committee will consist of five members, each serving a two-year term, and they shall be appointed in a 2-year cycle in the General Assembly of the SPR celebrated during the IBEREO. The first MTC Award Committee will consist of five SPR active members. In subsequent editions, a previous winner will join member of the SPR and will be part of the MTC Award Committee for 2 years. The President shall appoint the chair of the committee from among the senior members of the committee.
The MTC Award Committee shall consider nominations submitted by any member of the Society, usually between February 1st and April 1st prior the IBEREO. The Chair of the MTC Award Committee shall convey its recommendation (the name of the recipient or the decision not to award) to the President and to the Secretary of the SPR, which has to be approved in the General Assembly immediately before the IBEREO. The official announcement of the award to the membership shall be made by email in advance of the actual award presentation at the IBEREO.
The Awards Committees are committed to engaging in the selection processes from the pool of nominees without bias or discrimination, and to recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of rheology, regardless of the nominee’s race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, physical appearance and ability, socioeconomic background, region, and immigrant, military, or veteran status.
Guidelines for Nominations
Nominations shall include the following information in a single PDF file:
1. A nomination letter from someone other than the nominee.
2. A two-page summary containing the following:
-A brief scientific biography.
-A review of those accomplishments upon which the nomination is based.
3. A curriculum vitae of the nominee with publication list.
4. No more than three supporting letters that address the nominee’s contributions. (Updated this year!)
5. A 50-word citation, written by the nominator, which would be used in the event the nominee receives the award.
6. A high-resolution headshot of the nominee suitable for publication. The headshot should be at least 400 pixels wide and 500 pixels high. Add the image to the end of the PDF file.
Unsuccessful nominations need to be resubmitted.
All nominations are subject to the following rules:
1. Only one nomination per nominator is allowed.
2. A nominator should not write a recommendation letter for another nominee in the same year.
3. Members of the MTC Award Committee should not be involved in nominating a candidate or in writing letters of support.
4. The president or past president of the SPR, who set up the MTC Award Committee, is prohibited from nominating or writing a recommendation letter.