Five years on, scientists from a variety of research fields have once again accepted the challenge of inspiring future generations by spending a day at their former schools and sharing their passion for science with current pupils. As part of the ‘Scientist Returns to School’ programme, promoted by Native Scientists, creative and interactive workshops have been held for primary school children across the country. These workshops demonstrate that a passion for science can develop anywhere — even in the classroom where children learn to read and write.
Conceived by Joana Bordalo, a former student of NOVA FCSH and NOVA Impact’s Starters Academy, the initiative has attracted participants and schools from across the country, with significant involvement from NOVA’s research scientists.
This school year alone, participants included Lucas Sousa (Nova SBE), who visited his former school in Albufeira; António Granado (NOVA FCSH), who returned to his old school in Fundão; Inês Gomes (NOVA Medical School), who went back to her old school in Sintra; and Tiago Faria (NOVA FCSH), who visited his old school in Fafe. ; Ana Carolina Buga, a doctoral student at ITQB NOVA, who brought science to Sintra; Ana Raquel Barbosa (NOVA Medical School), who led a session in Ponta Delgada in the Azores; Filipa da Silva Lopes (NOVA FCSH), who debuted in Bagunte in Vila do Conde; and Raquel Viveiros (NOVA FCT), who brought science to Braga.
Since 2022, more than 160 researchers have participated, including those from beyond NOVA!
Call for applications for 2025/26
The Native Scientists team is currently preparing for the next academic year and has already opened applications for 2025/2026. Scientists and students who have attended public primary school in Portugal are eligible to apply, regardless of their field of study. Additionally, the program offers science communication training for children, support in designing workshops, and coverage of travel and materials expenses.
This time, and in the interest of being as inclusive as possible, we are particularly interested in participants who have studied in the following locations: Azores, Alentejo, and Algarve (all municipalities), Cartaxo, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Idanha-a-Nova, Lagoa (Algarve), Mesão Frio, Murça, Pampilhosa da Serra, Peso da Régua, Ribeira de Pena, Sabrosa, and Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
Registration is simple and can be completed through the program’s official website. Participation is subject to school availability and funding raised; therefore, registration does not automatically guarantee the workshop.
