The Medalha de Mérito Científico is an initiative of the Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior and aims to recognize national or foreign individuals who have distinguished themselves through their high professional qualities and commitment to duty, making valuable and exceptional contributions to the development of Science or scientific culture in Portugal. The ceremony took place during the event "Ciência 2023 - Encontro com a Ciência e a Tecnologia em Portugal", held this year in Aveiro.

Professor João Pavão Martins, considered the "father" of Artificial Intelligence at Instituto Superior Técnico, was one of the proponents of the creation of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. He served as its President between 2003 and 2004 and between 2009 and 2010, and as Vice-President between 1998 and 2002. More information about his academic and scientific career and contributions can be found here.