The Himalaya Creativity Workshops/Arco's Science Centre hosted the European Researchers' Night (NEI) in Arcos de Valdevez, an event dedicated to science and open to the general public. This marked the municipality's debut in the initiative, which took place simultaneously in several towns, aiming to demystify scientific concepts and showcase the fun side of research.
The initiative was attended by Vice-President Emília Cerdeira, who highlighted the municipal efforts in promoting science among the youth, focusing on training in future-relevant areas through diverse programming. The event brought together specialists, researchers, and the community, with science at the core of the activities.
Under the theme “On the Shoulders of Himalaya: a night with Science,” the NEI in Arcos de Valdevez welcomed over 100 people. Four researchers shared their knowledge in talks: Luís Cunha (Univ. Minho), Raquel Fernandes (Univ. Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro), João Fernandes (Univ. Coimbra), and Pedro Pimenta (Univ. Minho).
The program combined history, sustainability, and scientific gastronomy, featuring local producers and students from EPRALIMA-Professional School of Alto Lima, who presented the 'Bifana 2.0 no Pão Himalaya'. The relaxed atmosphere included a show by Rogério Martins titled “Isto é Matemática – A minha bicicleta calcula áreas” (This is Mathematics – My bicycle calculates areas), a staged visit with the “presence” of Father Himalaya, and a midnight tea, organized by users of the CACI - Centre for Activities and Inclusion Capacity Building, reinforcing the event's inclusive nature.
