Startup

@ cientista regressa à escola

It was on September 8, 2021, International Literacy Day, that Native Scientist launched an educational program in Portugal with the aim of reducing inequalities in access to science, contributing to curricular enrichment and promoting access to Higher Education among younger students.

“@ Cientista Regressa à Escola” promotes the return of scientists to their old national primary school, to carry out science workshops with students from the 4th year of schooling. Thus, the program offers the opportunity, unique and unforgettable for many, to meet and interact closely with a scientist, who for a whole day shares, in a playful and interactive way, concepts related to his/her scientific work and area of investigation.

The founders of the program intend to promote literacy and scientific culture in Portuguese society, bringing science closer to the society and anchoring the project to such important concepts as the humanization of science and circular education. Since its launch, more than 400 scientiststudent connections have been established across mainland Portugal and the Azores Islands, and 70% of the children who participated in the first year of implementation of the program met a scientist for the first time.

Based on a proximity logic, the program brings together children and scientists from the same homeland and aims to expand its reach every year until all 4th grade classes can participate annually. “@ Cientista Regressa à Escola” hopes that, within a few years, all children who complete the first cycle will be able to claim that they have already met a scientist. For more information contact joana.bordalo@nativescientist.com or visit the website or social networks.