Science that inspires: Engaging activities for all ages

About 50 researchers from different centres of the University of Coimbra (UC) will be present at the Expofacic Education Hub in Cantanhede. Between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to participate in several hands-on activities designed for all ages, with a particular focus on children and teens, to learn more about the science carried out daily.

The initiative is jointly organised by CNC-UC, MIA Portugal, iCBR, GeneT, the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research of the University of Coimbra and the European Researchers' Night.

Paulo Oliveira, a researcher at CNC-UC, explains that he has taken the European project he coordinates, 'PAS GRAS', - which aims to combat obesity in young people,- to Expofacic. Among the various activities, we highlight the 'glowing mitochondria', which has been a success for almost 15 years, and the 'mitochondrial racing', where we show young people how our cells produce energy. The researcher adds that 'for adults, we have activities to show the importance of a healthy diet'. According to the researcher, 'the feedback has been excellent and it's wonderful to see children and young people coming back year after year to repeat these activities'.

The aim of the Science Communication Initiative is not only to teach but also to get young people interested in scientific research. For Ana Santos Carvalho, NEI coordinator, the Science Workshop is also "a kind of preview of the big event we'll have in September", the Researchers' Night.
The activities promoted are not limited to biomedical areas: they also include the Centre for Functional Ecology, the Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, the Coimbra Chemistry Centre and the Centre for Marine and Environmental Sciences, bringing to visitors the fields of exact and natural sciences, engineering and technology.
Expofacic, one of the largest exhibitions in the region, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore science in a fun way.