Native Scientists Celebrates Two-Year Partnership with Critical Software

For the past two years, Critical Software supported Native Scientists work.

Critical Software has supported Native’s mission for the past two years, helping us spark a greater curiosity in science among students and reaching over 146 children.

In the 2022/2023 school year, Critical Software supported both the Same Migrant Community (SMC) and the Same Home Town (SHT) programmes, with each action reaching around 40 children.

In 2023/2024, the impact was even greater as Native engaged with 106 students. The scientists revisited their old primary schools in Castro Daire and Valpaços regions, sparking curiosity and a love for science through the SHT programme.

The scientist Tatiana Moreira led a workshop on February 23rd, exploring the theme Neuroscience: The Brain And How It Works, with three enthusiastic classes at Escola Básica de Castro Daire, Portugal. “For me there was no greater Déjà Vu than walking into Professor Mesquita's classroom. My own 4th-grade teacher was the teacher of one of the classes! I went back 23 years, but in 2024, that morning, the teacher was me. For a moment I saw myself and my childhood friends.”

Asked about the workshop, Tatiana told us that “I didn't expect to have my own brain so stimulated with the excellent questions and curiosities that the students had.  I realised how important the work of Native Scientists is, teaching students that STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths) is available to anyone.”

Workshop in Castro Daire

Later, on April 26th, the scientist João Morais led a workshop with the topicNeuroscience: The Impact Of Our Emotions, in two classes at Centro Escolar de Valpaços, Portugal. João told us that “Discovering the curiosity and interest of the students was the most surprising thing: the world seems so small for what they can absorb that it emphasised the urgency of carrying out these initiatives”.

Without Critical Software, none of these experiences would have been possible. We are grateful for their continued support.

Workshop in Valpaços

About Critical Software:

Critical Software is a Portuguese software and information systems company based in Coimbra with an international presence. It specialises in providing reliable solutions, services, and technologies for mission-critical and business information systems, ensuring support for key operational functions. This includes software tools for personal protection and monitoring equipment, ensuring that critical processes are conducted efficiently and safely.

About Native Scientists:

Native Scientists is an award-winning European non-profit organisation that promotes cultural diversity in science, education and society. Native Scientists offers science and language workshops, science communication training and customised projects for various institutions, including schools, universities and embassies. The work developed connects students with scientists to promote scientific and linguistic literacy through behavioural models and integrated science and language learning. Founded in 2013, its work reaches more than 1,200 students per year and has a network of more than 1,000 international scientists.