The National Scientists’ Day, established by the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal in 2016 to honour the contributions of scientists to society, is celebrated annually on 16th May in memory of José Mariano Gago, a prominent Portuguese physicist, academic, and politician who died in 2015.

To mark this occasion, Ciência Viva hosts the “Caminhos do Conhecimento” conference, bringing together researchers from various fields to discuss current scientific topics with significant societal impact, in the Almeida Garrett Library. in Oporto.

Alexandre Quintanilha, from the University of Porto, serves as the curator for this edition. Joining him are Rosália Vargas, President of Ciência Viva, Manuel Heitor from Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Rui Moreira, Mayor of Oporto, and Ana Paiva, Secretary of State for Science.

Bruce Hood, a renowned scholar from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, and author of the book “The Science of Happiness: Seven Lessons for Living Well,” will be the keynote speaker for this conference. His insights will be complemented by commentary from the Finnish Ambassador, Satu Suikkari-Kleven.

Throughout the afternoon, researchers from diverse scientific fields will delve into topics such as the economics of happiness, the science of well-being, the industry of (un)happiness, the impact of happiness on the human brain, and the relationship of this emotion with economic development.

Check here the full program of this conference.

Other locations

You can celebrate this day surrounded by science and learn about the various scientific fields that challenge scientists every day in several locations across the country of Portugal.

Take advantage of free admission to any Ciência Viva Science Center on May 16th in Portugal.

Check out the activities plan here (only available in Portuguese).