Luís Portela is a physician, author, and former business leader. After practising medicine and teaching psychophysiology at the University of Porto, he led the pharmaceutical company Bial from 1979 to 2021, helping transform it into an innovative international organisation with a presence in around 60 countries.

In 1994, together with Bial and the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities, he founded the Bial Foundation, which he continues to chair. Dedicated to advancing research centred on the human being, the Foundation has supported nearly 1,900 researchers from 31 countries through its scientific grants program.

The author of ten books, including Serenely, The Pleasure of Being, Being Spiritual, From Science to Love, and The Science of Spirit, Luís Portela has received numerous distinctions, including three state decorations, four honorary doctorates, the Neuroscience Award from Louisiana State University, and honorary membership of the Parapsychological Association.