Join us on the 9^th of April at 2pm to meet Joana Bordalo, award-winning science communicator and social entrepreneur, as she shares her inspiring journey to co-founding Native Scientists in Portugal. In this talk, discover how Native Scientists is connecting underserved children with scientists and find out how you can get involved either as a scientist, science communicator or supporting staff.

 

Online Zoom link

Time: 2pm

Date: 09/04/2026

Talk summary:

Joana’s talk will introduce Native Scientists, a pan-European non-profit organisation connecting underserved children and scientists, as well as her journey as a science communicator turned into social entrepreneur. The talk will present Joana’s path in co-founding Native Scientists in Portugal and explain why and how Native Scientists is broadening children’s horizons, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities through science outreach educational programmes. The talk will also address the format of Native’s programmes and the impact they are having both on scientists and children.

Bio:

Joana Bordalo co-founded an award-winning nationwide science outreach programme grounded in the concept of Circular Education and on the Science Capital Teaching Approach. With a background in Science Communication, Biology and Music, she is currently Deputy Director of Native Scientists and Communications Manager at EUROfusion. Joana was awarded a Fulbright/FLAD scholarship in 2021 to join the Science Communication Department at the University of Illinois (USA), and since then, she has delivered multiple workshops and training in Science Communication. Passionate about improving educational opportunities, reducing inequalities, and creating social impact, Joana was recognised as one of the TOP 100 Women in Social Enterprise by Euclid Network in 2023 and the NOVA FCSH Alumni Award in 2025. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, volunteering, playing the cello, and climbing.