To the very day, one year later, we gather to remember Professor António Amorim
On March 21st, 2024, Professor António Amorim warmly and enthusiastically welcomed international and national speakers and participants to the first day of the remarkable 20th Portugaliæ Genetica: “DNA – Ancient and New”. The Mariano Gago auditorium at i3S was full and the atmosphere was vibrant. It was the 20th edition of this iconic cycle of conferences, and we wanted to make it big… And we did it! It was not only an excellent research conference, but also a space for debate, discussion, critical thinking, and freedom, mirroring the spirit of our beloved group leader. Following the tradition of Portugaliæ Geneticæ's dates, March 21st, 2024, was the Thursday closest to the Spring Equinox, but this time, fate decreed it was also the last day we shared Professor Amorim's physical presence, within and beyond the institute's walls.
Precisely one solar cycle later, on March 21st, 2025, a day after the Sun crosses the Ecuador – when day and night coincide and Spring awakens, we will be gathered at i3S, in that very same spot, for the International Symposium António Amorim. It will be a hybrid event to honor his extraordinary academic and research legacy and the indelible mark he left, not only in the field of population and forensic genetics, but also on our hearts and souls. Prof. António Amorim was more than just an internationally renowned researcher; he was a mentor, and a key influence for dozens and dozens of students and researchers. For nearly half a century, he graced the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Porto (FCUP) with his keen mind, his unwavering dedication to fostering knowledge, and his infectious curiosity. He shaped generations of students and scientists at Ipatimup/i3S, fostering an environment where critical thinking and intellectual autonomy were nurtured and grew.
Scientific and academic collaborations and achievements, but also good memories and life stories, are expected to be shared in this event that features a distinguished lineup of speakers, all close collaborators and colleagues of Professor Amorim, representing the breadth and depth of his influence and the interdisciplinary nature of his work. Dedicated sessions for sharing personal memories will also take place.
We warmly welcome everyone - friends, colleagues, students, former students, those who knew Professor Amorim personally, and anyone eager to learn about his scientific and academic contributions - to join us in this special moment of remembrance.