On 24th of November, ICVS marked World Science Day and the National Day of Scientific Culture by hosting the roundtable “Science: It’s Fundamental!”, an event designed to spotlight the essential role of fundamental science in driving innovation in health and shaping the society of tomorrow.
The session, held at the Zulmira Simões Auditorium, brought together leading voices from the Portuguese scientific and academic landscape. The panel featured Madalena Alves, President of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT); Sandra Paiva, Vice-Rector of the University of Minho; Cláudia Cavadas, Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra; Patrícia Maciel, Director of ICVS; and Elsa Logarinho, researcher at i3S.
The discussion was guided by acclaimed science journalist Teresa Firmino (Público), whose commitment to scientific communication added both clarity and depth to the conversation.
Roundtable “Science: It’s Fundamental!” at Zulmira Simões Auditorium
Across an engaging and thoughtful debate, speakers emphasized how fundamental research, often unseen and sometimes undervalued, forms the bedrock of scientific progress. From decoding biological mechanisms to informing new therapies, fundamental science is not only a generator of knowledge but a catalyst for healthcare innovation and societal transformation. The discussion also addressed the crucial role of funding, national policies, and political decisions in shaping the trajectory of scientific research, highlighting how strategic investments and supportive frameworks are essential to sustain innovation and translate fundamental discoveries into societal benefits.
Following the roundtable, the celebration continued in the atrium with the opening of the photography exhibition “Between Light and Matter.” This collection features 16 striking images captured by ICVS researchers using confocal microscopy, unveiling hidden biological landscapes that lie far beyond the limits of human vision. The exhibition transforms microscopic structures into visual narratives, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the beauty and complexity of life at the cellular and molecular scales.
