Biography
José earned his PhD in Physical Science from the University of São Paulo where he served as rector and full professor from 1986–89. From 1983–86 he directed the Energy Company of the State of São Paulo. From 1990–92 he served in the federal government in various capacities including: Secretary of State for Science and Technology where he modernised information systems; interim Secretary of the Environment where he administered Brazil's participation in the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro; and as Minister of Education where he prepared a proposal to Congress resulting in autonomy for federal universities. He has written widely on nuclear physics, environment, and energy and has served as President of the Brazilian Association for the Advancement of Science. He also served as Chairman of the Editorial Board and a lead author of the UNDP World Energy Assessment.
