Four scientists from NOVA University Lisbon are about to take part in the Scientist Returns to School project, which aims to promote interest in higher education, reduce inequalities in access to science and deconstruct stereotypes about who can be a scientist.
Promoted by Native Scientists, Scientist Returns to School is a project created by Joana Bordalo, a NOVA FCSH and Starters Academy alumna - NOVA Impact's entrepreneurship programme designed to stimulate students' entrepreneurial spirit - that aims to encourage scientists to return to the schools where they completed their first cycle to run science workshops with children.
In this context, the presence of Miguel Dias, from the NOVA Medical School, at a school in Crato, on 18 March, and Raquel Viveiros, from NOVA FCT, in Braga, on 19 February, has already been confirmed, as well as that of Edite Alberto, from NOVA FCSH, at a school in Lisbon, and Filipa Lopes, also from NOVA FCSH, in Vila do Conde, both on dates to be determined.
Any scientist who has completed the first cycle of basic training in Portugal and who has attended the webinar on science communication offered by the organization can participate in this project, in addition to specific support for the workshops.
Since 2022, 42 scientists have returned to their schools, involving a total of more than 1500 children in their workshops, giving many a unique and unforgettable opportunity to meet and interact closely with scientists for the first time in their lives.