From Portugal to UHK: Bridging Scientific Worlds
In a world increasingly connected yet divided by linguistic and cultural barriers, the universal language of science emerges as a bridge uniting diverse academic communities. The recent visit of Dr. Nuno Paula Santos to the University of Hradec Králové exemplifies this unity, fostering an exchange of knowledge and ideas that transcends borders.
Dr. Nuno Paula Santos from the Polytechnic University of Bragança, Portugal, enriched the Faculty of Science at the University of Hradec Králové through the Erasmus+ program, leveraging his extensive background in biology and environmental sciences. Sparked by an encounter with a UHK student in Portugal, Dr. Santos's visit aimed to foster collaboration and share his profound expertise in biodiversity and his specialized research on animal cancer.
Integrating research directly into his teaching, Dr. Santos believes in using current scientific discoveries as a dynamic tool for education.
It's very important to create this proximity with our students to teach them how to think. To see that science can offer solutions to many of mankind's problems. That's why we are biologists. That's why we like research. That's why we like to teach,
This approach not only makes the learning experience more relevant and engaging but also illustrates the practical impact of science on addressing global challenges.
During his seminars, Dr. Santos focused for example on the importance of understanding the Anthropocene epoch and its implications for the planet. He emphasized the role of science as a bridge across cultural and linguistic divides: "Science is a different way of thinking. It's a universal language. I cannot speak, unfortunately, Czech but it's the same way of thinking. Science is a universal language like music." This perspective highlights the unique position of science as a means of global communication and problem-solving, transcending the barriers of language.
Despite the challenge of teaching in a language other than his native Portuguese, Dr. Santos found a welcoming and engaging environment at UHK, reminiscent of the collaborative and open atmosphere of his home institution. His visit underscores the significant benefits of international academic partnerships, enriching the educational and research landscapes of both universities.
Through his commitment to integrating research into teaching and his view of science as a universal language, Dr. Santos has left a lasting impact on the UHK community, paving the way for future collaborative endeavors.
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