Native Scientist was founded by two researchers in 2013 with the goal of connecting scientists and children across Europe to reduce inequities, promote quality education and celebrate diversity. Today, Native Scientist counts on a network of over 3.000 scientists and their educational programmes have established over 20.000 connections between scientists and children, particularly underserved children. Through the program Scientists Return to School, researchers in Portugal return to their elementary schools to conduct science workshops. The goal of the programme is to bolster scientific literacy and reduce educational inequalities. We want to make sure every child in Portugal can safely say: I have met a scientist.
The program connects children and scientists from the same hometown across Portugal, islands and rural communities included, through unique and interactive science workshops that build upon a shared background.
What This Organisation Is Looking for
We are always looking for scientists that are passionate about their research and want to connect with and empower children over a common background, as well as teachers and municipalities that want to host the workshops. We also welcome financial patrons (either individuals or organizations) that want to participate in reducing inequities in education, as well as institutional cooperation with universities and research centers.
Joana Bordalo is the program manager for Scientists Returns to School. With a background in Biology, she is now a Master’s student in Science Communication with experience in managing an educational program based on the methodologies “Science Capital Teaching Approach” and “Content and Language Integrated Learning”. She was awarded a Fullbright scholarship that led her to the United States to work in multiple science outreach activities and was previously part of the European project FOSTWOM, which promotes gender equality through MOOCs in STEM, at Instituto Superior Técnico.
