The CMU Portugal Program celebrates another milestone by its long-time collaborator and global leader Professor Manuela Veloso, who has been awarded the 2026 Founders Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the Carnegie Mellon President. This award recognizes Carnegie Mellon University alumni who demonstrate both exceptional professional achievement and a long standing record of service and support to CMU.

Beyond her trailblazing research in AI and Robotics, she has also served as advisor to four CMU Portugal Dual Degree PhD Students, as well as as principal investigator for three Entrepreneurial Research Initiatives: MAIS-S, INSIDE and S2MovingCity. Her commitment has shaped both cutting-edge research and the bright careers of the students and researchers who worked alongside her.
Carnegie Mellon will formally honor all the award recipients at the 76th annual Alumni Awards on October 23rd.
To learn more, read the full Alumni Association Announcement.
Other CMU Portugal articles featuring Manuela Veloso:
- CMU Portugal members are among Forbes Portugal’s Most Powerful Women in Business
- CMU Portugal Faculty and industry partners met with Portuguese Prime Minister to talk about innovation and AI
- Manuela Veloso elected to the National Academy of Engineering
- Manuela Veloso awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Bordeaux
- Manuela Veloso ranked among the 10 most Influential Women in Engineering