CIS-Iscte presented two projects at the 2025 European Researchers' Night

Iscte - University Institute of Lisbon, through Iscte-Knowledge & Innovation, is part of the SCIGLO - Science for Global Challenges consortium with other Portuguese universities and coordinated by the University of Lisbon for the organization of the European Researchers' Night (ERN).

© 2025 Rita Alves | Iscte

As usual, the 2025 edition of the ERN took place at the National Museum of Natural History and Science (MUHNAC), Lisbon, on the last Friday of September (26). Researchers from CIS-Iscte engaged with the public in different Science Communication activities, with the support of our Science Communication Manager.

With the activity "Space Inclusion: A cooperative board game to promote the inclusion of migrant children and celebrate diversity", researchers Patrícia Arriaga and Theresa Zägers, and master's student Filipa Silva to present the project KidLe, funded by the Portuguese National Erasmus+ Agency (Project Number: 2023-1-PT01-KA220-SCH-000154686). From 17:00 to 20:30, the research team invited participants to play Space Inclusion, one the project's outputs. The game engaged both children and adults, who rolled dice to travel between planets while collecting the super powers of friendship, communication, and curiosity. Through this playful experience, participants discovered how these super powers are essential to promote inclusion.

Photos courtesy of Rita Neves and Rita Alves

Later, and until midnight, the research team of the project Rios Livres took over CIS-Iscte's stand. Their activity, "Let’s (Re)connect People and Rivers!" was facilitated by researchers Susana Batel and Maria Alba, in partnership with Regina Falcão and Hugo Pegado (GEOTA). ERN participants were challenged to answer a quiz about obsolete barriers in Portuguese rivers and Rio Alviela in particular. They could also identify in a map any barriers they knew. Younger participants were challenged to complete a giant puzzle of continental Portugal map to learn more about rivers.

Photos courtesy of Rita Neves and Rita Alves

CIS-Iscte has been actively involved in science communication initiatives such as the European Researchers’ Night, in which it has participated since 2016. These initiatives demonstrate the institution’s ongoing commitment to connecting scientific research with society. By engaging directly with the public, CIS-Iscte helps raise awareness of pressing social issues while promoting critical thinking and informed decision-making. Its continuous investment in public outreach ensures that scientific knowledge remains central to tackling global challenges, underscoring the importance of research in building a more informed and equitable future for all.