For her pioneering role in advancing nursing research in the country

On World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April 2025, the Portuguese Ministry of Health awarded 33 individuals and institutions the Medal of Distinguished Service – Gold Grade, recognising their outstanding contributions to public health in Portugal. Among those honoured was Margarida Vieira, from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, recognised for her pioneering role in the development of nursing research in the country.

With a career dedicated to teaching, science, and the advancement of knowledge in nursing, Margarida Vieira has become a key figure in the national landscape. Her work has promoted the recognition of nursing research as a fundamental scientific field for improving healthcare, as well as for training professionals to meet the challenges of contemporary society.

This distinction from the Portuguese Ministry of Health acknowledges the impact of her academic and scientific career, and her contribution to strengthening nursing as a critical discipline in promoting health and well-being.

The ceremony took place in Lisbon, on 7 April, as part of the World Health Day 2025 celebrations.