Alexandre Quintanilha was born on September 8, 1945 in Mozambique. His father, also a prominent scientist, was one of the first to study fungi, which sparked Quintanilha's interest in the field of biology from a young age. He studied Theoretical Physics in South Africa and went on to receive his Ph.D. in 1972 from the University of Paris.
Quintanilha's career in biology took off when he began working at the University of California, Berkeley, where he spent almost 18 years in the biology department. During his time there, he made significant contributions to the field, conducting research and publishing papers that furthered our understanding of molecular and cell biology.
After his time at UC Berkeley, Quintanilha went on to become the director of the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Porto. In this role, he continued his groundbreaking research and played a key role in shaping the institute's research agenda.
In 2010, Quintanilha made headlines when he married his partner, journalist Richard Zimler, following the legalization of same-sex marriage in Portugal. The couple has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and their marriage was a symbol of progress for the community.
Alexandre Quintanilha's legacy as a biologist and advocate for LGBTQ rights lives on through his work and his personal life. His contributions to the field of molecular and cell biology have had a lasting impact, and his advocacy has inspired many to fight for equality and acceptance.
Overall, Alexandre Quintanilha's life story is one of passion, dedication, and advocacy. From his early education in South Africa to his groundbreaking research in the United States and Portugal, Quintanilha has left a lasting impact on the world of biology and beyond.