Boaventura de Sousa Santos, director of the Centre for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra, was awarded the Great Cross of the Order of Cultural Merit 2009 by the Brazilian Government.

Created in 1995, the Order of Cultural Merit is the highest award of the Brazilian Government that distinguishes personalities and institutions prominent for their contributions to Brazilian and world Culture.

The award will be presented by President Lula da Silva on November 25th, 2009 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.