Humberto Duarte Fonseca | |
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Born | 20 November 1916 Mindelo, Cape Verde |
Died | 1983 Lisbon, Portugal, Portugal |
Nationality | Cape Verdean Portuguese |
Alma mater | University of Lisbon |
Humberto Duarte Fonseca (20 November 1916 – 1983), was one of the first Cape Verdean scientist.
Humberto Fonseca was born in Mindelo on the São Vicente and was the son of Torquato Gomes Fonseca and Leopoldina Duarte Fonseca. He finished his high school studies and was invited to teach at Liceu Gil Eanes in Mindelo for a year, he later attended the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lisbon, where he achieved three graduations, all with the highest noted and distinction: math, geophysics and geographic engineering.
He later married Maria Adélia de Barros Fonseca and raised three children, all with the surname Barros Duarte Fonseca: Ana Maria, José Pedro and João Filipe.
He died in Lisbon in 1983.
He entered the National Meterological Service in 1948, two years later, he founded the local Meterological Observatory in his native city of Mindelo. He was Chief of the Cape Verdean Meteorological Service, sub-director of the Angolan Meteorological Service, Director of the Geophysic Service and the Portuguese National Meterologic and Geophysic Institute.
He was a chief member during the scientific exploration of Iona and member of the scientific expedition of the eruption of Pico do Fogo in Cape Verde. He was delegate of Portugal in International Meterologic Commissions, President of the Portuguese Creativity Association, Director of the Inventive Review and several others. He founded the Portuguese Creativity Association in 1970 in which promotes the participation of inventors in world level events. He was elected jury member of the International Exhibition of Inventors in Geneva. Duarte Fonseca was honoured as an honorary citizen of Brussels.
A decade after his death, he received the Medal of Gold by the city of Lisbon. A Seminary in Cape Verde was dedicated to his life and works, a street and a school in Mindelo is named after him.
In 2006, the Cape Verdean Atmospherical Observatory: Humberto Duarte Fonseca was named after him, it was a bilateral initiative by Germany and the United Kingdom and is located in the area of Calhau.