The 16th of May was a special day at CCMAR. We designed a programme of activities to mark two symbolic dates - International Family Day (15 May) and National Scientist Day (16 May) - and opened the doors of our centre to the children of our researchers, in an initiative that brought together science, play and, above all, community.
At the end of the afternoon, CCMAR's corridors were filled with laughter, curiosity and lots of ‘why?’, with 27 children, aged between 1 and 12, who came to find out where their parents spend their days working.
Organised into age groups - the ‘little ones’, the ‘primary schoolers’ and the ‘grown-ups’ - the young visitors took part in a fun and educational route that included visits to the zebrarium, bird-ringing sessions in the vegetable garden, and various hands-on activities in CP room 2.40, enthusiastically prepared by members of our scientific community.
Scientists such as Lelde and Aliana, Jorge Palma, João Monteiro, Patrícia Pinto, Nicole, Inês Maia and Rita Abecasis organised experiments adapted to each age, from sensory games to scientific challenges, always with the support of colleagues such as Inês Almeida, Alexis Horta, Marta Zita, Ana Amaral and Anaís, who accompanied the groups throughout the afternoon.
The afternoon ended with a well-deserved ice cream, courtesy of Gelato-Ria (Olhão), and with many parents hearing from their children: ‘I want to come back!’
More than just a fun activity, this moment served to reinforce CCMAR's community spirit, reminding us that behind every scientist there is also a family - and that science is best built in an environment where everyone feels part of it.
Special thanks to everyone who made this initiative possible. We're sure this was just the first of many afternoons when science and family go hand in hand at CCMAR.
