Elvira Fortunato is full professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology of NOVA University. She was, from 2017-2022, Vice-Rector at NOVA University and Director of the Materials Research Center (CENIMAT) of the Associated Laboratory i3N, the Institute of Nanostructures, Nanomodeling and Nanofabrication. She has received her Bachelor degree in Physics and Materials Engineering and obtained the PhD in Microelectronics and Optoelectronics. Elvira Fortunato pioneered European research on transparent electronics, namely thin-film transistors based on oxide semiconductors, demonstrating that oxide materials may be used as true semiconductors. She is co-inventor of the paper electronics concept worldwide. In 2008, the European Research Council awarded her with the 1st Prize of 2.25 million euros with the highest score in the league table. In 2018, she has received the second Advanced Grant of the European Research Council with a maximum amount of 3.5 million euros, being the highest prize ever awarded to a researcher in Portugal.

She is the former Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education.