Manuel Sobrinho-Simões

About Manuel Sobrinho-Simões

Manuel has been a pathologist for over 40 years – and has not once in those years suffered from idle hands. After completing a medical degree (and simultaneously becoming ping-pong champion) at the University of Porto, he continued on to a doctoral degree with a focus on cancer of the thyroid. After traveling for postdoctoral research, he returned to the University of Porto in 1980. Less than 10 years later, he founded IPATIMUP, the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto. The institute, which he still leads, is dedicated not only to research and diagnosis, but also to training pathologists and educating the general public on scientific subjects. Nominators referred to him as an “educator par excellence” and “an enthusiastic teacher who is always ready to share what he knows.” In the course of his career, Manuel has won many national and international awards, including the 1996 Bordalo Prize, the 2002 Seiva Prize, and the 2002 Pessoa Prize. In 2004, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry for services to Portugal, and in 2009, he became a Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for outstanding service in the interests of Norway. He’s also held leadership positions in professional organizations including the European Society of Pathology and the European School of Pathology, authored hundreds of publications including peer-reviewed journal articles, chapters and books, and enjoys spending free time with his family.

Nominators said:

“He has contributed more than anybody else to the visibility of pathology in Europe.”

“A supporter of young pathologists from all over Europe.”

“He represents the perfect combination of scientific intelligence and nobility.”

“He is not only a great scientist but also a kind, caring, generous and charismatic person.”

“His contributions to the clinical diagnosis of thyroid cancer have been outstanding: hospital pathologists worldwide follow his rules in their day-to-day routines.”