NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB) participated in the Mexer Contra o Cancro initiative, organized by the Liga Portuguesa Contra Cancro – Núcleo Regional do Sul, bringing science closer to the community through a day of engaging and interactive activities at Jamor.

Throughout the event, the NIMSB tent welcomed a large number of visitors, particularly children and families, creating a vibrant atmosphere of curiosity and discovery. The initiative provided an opportunity to showcase how scientific research contributes to advancing knowledge and improving treatments for complex diseases such as cancer.

A dedicated team of NIMSB researchers — Rute Salvador, Maria José Silva, Rita Pereira, Maria Inês Pimenta, and Ana Brás Silva — led the activities, offering hands-on experiences and accessible explanations of their work.

Participants were invited to explore science through a variety of interactive moments, including building “cells” using plasticine, engaging in creative drawing activities, and performing simple pipetting experiments. These activities were complemented by informal conversations about cells, cancer biology, and the role of research in developing new therapeutic approaches.

The event successfully combined education, creativity, and public engagement, reinforcing NIMSB’s commitment to science outreach and to fostering a closer connection between research and society.