Education, scientific literacy and research: the role of the Azores University Maria do Carmo...

Education, scientific literacy and research: the role of the Azores University

Maria do Carmo BarretoPró-reitoria para a Ciência e Tecnologiaprct@uac.pthttp://www.uac.pt

Science and technology have grown exponentially , particularly since the 19th century

Paradox: surrounded by technology, with easy access to scientific knowledge beyond our wildest dreams, most of us are scientifically illiterate.

Painter

Biologist

Leonardo da Vinci

Engineer Musician Mathematician

Renaissance to late 19th century: small elite with knowledge both wide and deep.

20th century:

Scientific and technological

boomEducation for all

Specialization in Science and

Technology

+

Increased advances in Science & Technology

Scientific literacy did not grow as fast as

knowledge

We benefit from Sci&Tech and use “sciencey” expressions in our speech without knowing the basics of science:“he was light-years away from me”; “unemployment grew exponentially”; “omega-3 is good for you”

Acquiring knowledge is not only important to find a good job, it is the basis of citizenship and of freedom of choice.

Founded 39 years ago

Highly important for development in the Azores

Key role in autonomic development

Strategically placed to be a bridge between Azores and USA and Canada

Azores University has a major role in developing knowledge, scientific literacy and research in the Azores.

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EW

S

3 Campuses: Faial, Terceira & S. Miguel

Faial Terceira

S. Miguel

Faial

Images: Robert Patzner - ImagDOP / Ana Colaço

Terceira

S. Miguel

Website: http://www.uac.pt

Teaching – practical classes are a strong feature

Research in a diversity of areas

Research Centers National Government funding

Research center

Centre of Volcanology and Geological Risk Evaluation (CVARG)

Research Center for Agricultural Technology of Azores (CITA-A)

Atlantic Applied Economy Studies Center (CEEAplA)

Overseas History Center (CHAM)

Azores Biodiversity Group (Ce3C)

Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Research Center - Azores (CIBIO-A)

MARE – Marine research

Research Centers Regional Government funding

Research center

Climate, Meteorology & Global Change Center (CCMMG)

Natural Resources Research Center (CIRN)

Social Studies Center (CES-UA)

Azores Biotechnology Center (CBA-UAc)

European Funding National Government (FCT) Marine Sciences 7.4% Biotechnology 6.3% Biotechnology 7.4% Biological Sciences 6.3% Biological Sciences 3.2% Environment 6.3% Environment 3.2% Chemistry 2.1% Azores Regional Government Private Funding

Earth Sciences 10.5% Agricultural Technology 8.4% Agricultural Technology

9.5% Earth Sciences 5.3%

Biological Sciences 7.4% Biotechnology 5.3% Economics 6.3% Biological Sciences 5.3%

Azores University – R&D by funding and area

Strongest R&D in Azores University

•Biodiversity / environment

•Biotechnology

•Volcanology / seismology

Strongest R&D in Azores University

•Biodiversity / environment

•Biotechnology

•Volcanology / seismology

Strongest R&D in Azores University

•Biodiversity / environment

TourismNature-based tourism Trails / Whale-watchingBirdwatching / Diving

FishingFishing stocks /

sustainability

Strategic economic sectors

Strongest R&D in Azores University

•Biodiversity / environment

•Biotechnology

•Volcanology / seismology

Strongest R&D in Azores University

•Biotechnology

Novel compounds from Natural Sources with pharmacological or biotechnological applications

Extremophiles• Enzymes & bacteria working in extreme environments with industrial application• Natural Products with unique structures – new drugs• Enzymes & bacteria used to produce energy from waste biomass (H2, CH4)

Strongest R&D in Azores University

•Biotechnology

Genetic profiling and in vitro production of economically-relevant crops and organims

• Genetic selection of plant varieties with increased resistance against virus, fungi and bacterial diseases (e.g., vine) - germobank• In vitro production of traditional fruit varieties (e.g. pineapple, banana, apple ) & of endemic plants • Environmentally-friendly natural pesticides from nematodes & bacteria

Strongest R&D in Azores University

•Biodiversity / environment

•Biotechnology

•Volcanology / seismology

Strongest R&D in Azores University

•Volcanology / seismology

Monitoring of volcanic and seismic activity

• Risk assessment & safety (e.g., earthquakes, eruptions, landslides)• Effect of volcanic environment in human & ecosystem health (e.g., gases & heavy metals in soil)

Azores University – interaction with local SMEs & main economic sectors

Milk sector & dairy industry

Nature-based & diving tourism

Fishing & related industry

Azores University – Studies for Local Government

Environment, Land Planning

Pisciculture Control of pests with economic

impact

Azores University – take-away message:

• Excellent Research in Biodiversity, Environment, Biotechnology & Volcanology (also other groups with good potential, e.g., Sociology, History). )

• Ideal geographic location – bridge between Europe & American continent (also, connection between Azores and USA / Canada azorean-descent population)

• Research is reflected in teaching - sea, volcanology, tourism, history as privileged areas

Thank you for your attention

Maria do Carmo Barretoprct@uac.pt