Diana Aguiar de Sousa, researcher at Luísa Lopes Lab, has been awarded the prestigious ESO Scientific Excellence Award 2026 by the European Stroke Organisation (ESO), during the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC 2026), held in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

The annual distinction recognizes a scientist with a sustained record of scientific excellence and significant contributions to cerebrovascular disease research, while also highlighting international scientific leadership in the field.

The award acknowledges Diana Aguiar de Sousa’s important contributions to stroke research, particularly in the areas of cerebral venous thrombosis, acute stroke treatment, and stroke care implementation. “It also reflects the impact of the clinical research carried out at GIMM in advancing knowledge and improving care for stroke patients”, acknowledges the neurologist at ULS São José, and professor at the University of Lisbon School of Medicine.

Receiving the distinction, Diana Aguiar de Sousa expressed gratitude and emphasized the collaborative nature of stroke research:

“I see this distinction as a reflection of the collective work of so many colleagues and collaborators, in Portugal and internationally, with whom I have had the privilege to work. Stroke research is, above all, a team effort.”