Fiocruz became the first institution to receive the René Favaloro Distinction for Trajectory 2020 award, which is usually dedicated to personalities who work for development and social well-being, human dignity, and commitment to scientific knowledge, culture, education, and public health in their areas of activity.
In a ceremony held at the Virgínia Schall Science Tent, on the Foundation's campus, this Tuesday (12/1), the award was delivered to the president of Fiocruz by the Argentine ambassador in Brazil, Daniel Scioli, in recognition of “constant and priceless scientific work for public health throughout its history”.
Argentine ambassador, Daniel Scioli, and President Nìsia Trindade Lima during the ceremony
For President Nísia Trindade Lima, “receiving such a high distinction from the Argentine government when Fiocruz celebrates 120 years is a special honor, which strengthens the ties between Brazil and Argentina, reinforcing our commitment to south-south cooperation and to science focused on the great challenges of health and development”.
The award is a tribute to the Argentine surgeon and educator René Gerónimo Favaloro (1923-2000), known for having performed the world's first coronary artery bypass surgery and creator of the Favaloro Foundation for Teaching and Medical Research, one of the largest institutions dedicated to cardiology in Americas. The trophy handed over to the Foundation was designed by renowned Argentine artist Juan Carlos Pallarols (in charge, among other things, of making the Argentine presidents' batons).