The Faculty of Biotechnology at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto successfully celebrated the third edition of International Microorganism Day, an event that highlights the importance of microorganisms in our lives, focusing on crucial areas such as the environment, food, and health. This year, the initiative saw the participation of over 750 students, from 5th grade to high school, who had the opportunity to engage in an interactive and educational scientific experience across 30 activities led by more than 50 researchers from the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry.
Paula Castro, Director of the Faculty of Biotechnology, emphasized the crucial role of these activities in promoting scientific knowledge: "It is part of our mission to inspire young minds with science, and microbiology is precisely one of our key research areas. This is also reflected in the fact that our Bachelor's degree in Microbiology is the only one of its kind in the country. Today, everyone became more familiar with the vital role that microorganisms play in our daily lives and how, invisibly and generously, they sustain life on the planet. They also learned about the challenges, such as diseases and contaminations... and how everything has a logic and a solution, making this field of study profoundly fascinating."
Joana Barbosa, one of the researchers responsible for the event, highlighted the impact of this experience on the students: "It is always gratifying to see the enthusiasm with which students explore the world of microorganisms. Direct contact with these topics helps them understand, in a practical and fun way, how microbes are present in our everyday lives and play crucial roles in diverse areas like agriculture and health."
Maria Sousa, a Natural Sciences teacher at the Academia de Música de Vilar do Paraíso, who accompanied her students to the event, also shared her perspective on the importance of the initiative: "This hands-on training, with all these enriching and diverse experiences, is fundamental for sharing scientific knowledge."
Joana Cristina Barbosa, another researcher responsible for the initiative, commented: "The interest and curiosity of young people in these topics were evident. These moments of sharing are essential to spark vocations and perhaps inspire future careers in science and biotechnology."
Manuela Pintado, Director of the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry, highlighted the significance of initiatives like this: "It is an honor to see the research center I lead taking the initiative to create a direct link to the community, sharing the joy of discovery and the passion for knowledge about the world of microorganisms."
With practical activities and a final contest, where some participants won prizes, the event provided a true celebration of science and knowledge, reinforcing the commitment of the Faculty of Biotechnology and the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry to education and the dissemination of scientific literacy.
