02-10-2023
NOVA FCT once again took part in the European Researchers' Night, a continent-wide celebration of science aimed at connecting it with the public. This event brought together more than 25 cities across Europe.
Visitors to the National Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Lisbon and Príncipe Real Garden in Lisbon on the evening of September 29 had the opportunity to engage in over 30 interactive activities hosted by NOVA FCT. With the participation of 126 NOVA FCT researchers, these activities allowed attendees to explore and experience science, often for the very first time. In a playful and educational manner, these initiatives served to showcase the ongoing research conducted in the laboratories of Caparica Campus, highlighting their impact and addressing associated challenges.
Ana Sofia Antunes, the Secretary of State for Inclusion, was among the attendees who explored and experimented with NavMol, a molecular editor designed to teach chemistry to blind and visually impaired students, showcased by NOVA FCT during the event.
"This is a celebration of science, and it's initiatives like this that often inspire the next generation of scientists," remarked José Paulo Santos, Vice-Dean for the Scientific Council of NOVA FCT, during the opening session of NEI 2023.
Under the theme "SCIENCE FOR ALL - Inclusion and Sustainability," all areas of NOVA FCT's expertise were represented through a diverse range of activities. Among the various experiments, visitors could evaluate the sustainability of fishing, gain insights into the medical applications of magnets, explore the world of air quality through an engaging board game, delve into sustainable logistics, learn about marine pollution – from chemicals to microplastics, experience the use of Navmol, a molecular editor designed for teaching chemistry to blind and low-vision students, discover the importance of actinobacteria for health, explore the art of glassmaking, embark on an educational sound journey with our biosigns, and take a journey through Lisbon's past and present in the context of mobility.
Representing NOVA FCT's Board of Directors were Vice-Deans José Paulo Santos and Eurico Cabrita.
The European Researchers' Night is an initiative funded by the European Commission through the Marie Curie Actions program, with the goal of bridging the gap between science and the public.
