“With these initiatives, we aim to bring younger generations closer to science and ensure they leave the faculty highly motivated to return and further explore these fields in the future,” emphasized Paula Castro, Director of the Faculty of Biotechnology at Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
“Through these experiences, we seek to spark scientific curiosity and demonstrate, in a practical and accessible way, how research can have a direct impact on health and the environment,” highlighted Joana Barbosa and Joana Cristina Barbosa, researchers at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry and organizers of the initiative.
Among the more than 25 activities offered, highlights included: Sushi: Pleasure and Danger at the Table - an analysis of the risks and benefits of sushi consumption; Myth Busters - a challenge exploring common beliefs related to food science; Biomaterials in the Fight Against Chronic Wounds - innovative and sustainable solutions for difficult wound healing; and Feel Bioelectronics! - an exploration of the link between biology and electronics through digital impulses.
“The Open Week is one of several initiatives the faculty promotes to strengthen scientific literacy. Before the end of the academic year, we will also organize the ‘Biotechnology Olympiads’, the ‘Science and Society Forum’, and the ‘Biofase’ Congress focused on bioengineering research carried out by secondary school students,” added Paula Castro. “These are unique opportunities for students to engage with what awaits them after secondary school, while also building connections with peers who share similar interests and come from different schools and regions of the country.”
Organized by faculty members, researchers, and students from the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry and the Faculty of Biotechnology at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, the Open Week took place from March 25 to 27 in Porto.
