INL’s Researchers at Schools initiative reaches nearly 400 students in Q1 of 2026

Science does not belong solely within laboratory walls. It shapes everyday life, and its advances carry profound consequences for society. As an intergovernmental research organisation, INL is committed to making science accessible to the wider community through a range of outreach initiatives. One such effort is participation in the European Commission’s flagship programme Researchers at Schools, which encourages INLers to visit educational institutions and deliver engaging workshops. In the first quarter of 2026, INL visited 12 schools across the Minho region of Portugal, reaching 395 students.

Under this framework, institutions from pre-school through to secondary level welcome experienced scientists to lead hands-on demonstrations, experiments, workshops and lectures. The aim is to inspire curiosity and nurture a genuine passion for science in younger generations. To help bring this vision to life, INL frequently partners with Native Scientists, a pan-European non-profit organisation that connects underserved children with working scientists.

Since the start of the year, INL has visited the following schools:

:: Colégio La Salle, Barcelos

:: EB Santa Cruz da Trapa, São Pedro do Sul (In partnership with Native Scientists)

:: EB Carvalhais, São Pedro do Sul (In partnership with Native Scientists)

:: EB Garapôa, Braga (In partnership with Native Scientists)

:: EB Figueiredo, Braga (In partnership with Native Scientists)

:: Escola Básica e Secundária de Viatodos, Barcelos

:: Centro Ciência Viva dos Arcos – Oficinas Criatividade Himalaya, Arcos de Valdevez

:: EB de Friestas, Valença

:: Epralima, Ponte da Barca

:: EB Pedreira, Valença

:: Colégio L. Da Vinci, Braga

:: Colégio Marca D’Água, Paços de Ferreira

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the INL members who gave their time and expertise: Vinícius Silva, João Rodrigues, João Henriques, Ana Rita Malheiro, Miguel Xavier, Catarina Moura, Filipe Alves, Iliona Wolfowicz, Oliver Schraidt, Elvira Paz, and Mariam Debs.

INL remains committed to fostering enthusiasm for STEM among the next generation, and looks forward to continuing this work throughout the rest of the year.

Text by Clara Miranda