education, scientific literacy and research: the role of the azores university maria do carmo...
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Education, scientific literacy and research: the role of the Azores University
Maria do Carmo BarretoPró-reitoria para a Ciência e [email protected]://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.
N
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
