organisation - the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência

Science Projects Support Programme
Since 2009 the science communication team works with IGC researchers to
provide supervision, theoretical and experimental guidance to secondary
school students carrying out science projects. In 2011, we worked with six
groups of students, organising visits to IGC facilities (Drosophila and rodent
facilities), discussions with scientists (neuroscience, Drosophila genetics,
bioinformatics), providing experimental and in-class protocols (in embryology,
microbiology, biodiversity, genetics).
Biology in Modern Times Seminars for Teachers
Targeted at secondary school science teachers, the Biology in Modern Times
seminars aim to update teachers on current research questions, techniques
and developments in the life sciences. IGC scientists, from PhD students
to the director, led informal presentations with Q&A on immunology, developmental
biology, evolution, neuroscience and bioinformatics. Up to 23
teachers, mostly from the Greater Lisbon area, attended each session. The
sessions were positively evaluated by the teachers.
'Aqui há Ciência' for Primary School Teachers
We are developing in-class activities and teacher-training for pre- and primary
schools. The project uses enquiry-based learning, which aims to recapitulate
the scientific process in each activity: observation, questioning, experimenting,
registering, concluding and communicating. Two local primary
schools are involved: 44 teachers and 798 students, over two years. In 2011
we developed and put in place a microbiology activity - Clean Hands, Dirty
Hands. All protocols will be available online.
Partners: Oeiras City Council, Instituto Superior Técnico.
Funding by: Oeiras City Council and QREN/PORLisboa (Portugal).
Online Education Resources
We are developing stand-alone educational resources for primary, middle
and secondary education. Our first animation - Me and My Body - introduces
and/or explores the concept of cells and the different research methods
used by scientists, including the use of animals in research. Targeted mainly
at 9-12 year olds, it is appropriate for all ages. This video won first place
in the Teaching Resources category of the international 2011 Ciência en
Acción Competition (Spain) , and has received 8,841 views on YouTube. Two
more videos, on evolution and genetics, are planned for 2012.
Funding by: Casa das Ciências (Portugal)
Researchers' Night 2011 - Noite dos Investigadores 2011
For the fourth year running the IGC was a partner in European Researchers’
Night. IGC scientists discussed their research with visitors and the science
communication team carried out evaluation of impact on the public and participating
researchers. Questionnaire-based surveys were designed, carried
out and analysed. Noite dos Investigadores 2011 took place in 15 cities across
Portugal, reaching over 10,000 on-site visitors.
Jardim Porcelânico - an artist in the laboratory
During his residency at the IGC, British artist Rob Kesseler used a range of
microscopy techniques to explore the micro-structures and cellular patterns
of Portuguese wildflowers. The result was a series of powerful, high chroma
images that were translated into large metre-wide prints (Morphogenesis
@ IGC, February 2011) and a porcelain collection produced in collaboration
with Vista Alegre Atlantis (Jardim Porcelânico @ FCG February 2011, British
Council March 2011, School of Pharmacy July 2011).
Collaborators: FCG UK Branch.
Funding by: FCG Joint Fund
C2 - scientists and artists exchange
The IGC and the FCG Modern Art Centre (CAM) joined efforts in the C2 programme
of visits and informal seminars, aimed at fostering an exchange of
perspectives and views between scientists and artists. Three artists (Rui
Sanchez, Didier Fiuza Faustino and Miguel Palma) described and discussed
their work at the IGC; three scientists (Thiago Carvalho, Élio Sucena, Nuno
Moreno), led tours of the artists' shows at CAM, and CAM-guided tours were
provided specifically for IGC staff and friends.
A still of the 'Me and My Body' award-winning animation.
British artist Rob Kesseler’s Jardim Porcelânico, at the Gulbenkian Foundation.
IGC ANNUAL REPORT ‘11
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT IN SCIENCE
167