Coração Delta, a Social Solidarity Association of the Nabeiro Group, held the V Manuel Ferreira Patrício Conference on September 4th at the Coffee Science Centre in Campo Maior. Under the theme "Science and Humanism: Curiosity and wisdom in action", the event reflected on the relationship between science and education, as well as on the importance of curiosity and critical thinking in the formation of new generations. In a world marked by artificial intelligence, misinformation and information overload, the conference debated the role of education in preparing young people to understand how knowledge is built and to use information in an ethical and responsible manner.
The opening session featured João Manuel Nabeiro, President of the Organizing Committee, and Ricardo Pinheiro, President of CCDR Alentejo. These were followed by interventions on the legacy of Manuel Ferreira Patrício, with José Eduardo Franco from the Open University and Luís Sebastião from the University of Évora. Elvira Fortunato, scientist and former Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, reflected on the current challenges of education. The morning also included a "Great Conversation" on critical thinking with Maria Paula Diogo from NOVA University, Pedro Russo from Ciência Viva and José María Corrales Vázquez from the University of Extremadura.
In the afternoon, a conversation took place on how "Science begins with the question. And then?", with Helena Braga from the University of Porto, Lua Afonso and Pedro Pinto de Almeida from Teach for Portugal. The "Curiosity Laboratories - Science in action" offered a practical experimentation space, bringing together partner entities such as the Centro de Talentos Alice Nabeiro, the Fundação Mendes Gonçalves, Technovation Girls and the Fundação da Juventude, among others.
The closing session, on "For curiosity, critical thinking and humanist education", featured Luís Rosinha, Mayor of Campo Maior, and Rita Nabeiro, President of the Associação Coração Delta. This conference aims to honour the cultural, pedagogical and philosophical legacy of Manuel Ferreira Patrício, promoting reflection on the challenges of education and sharing good practices in educational innovation.
