Native Scientists Inclusive Vision Presented at the PCST Conference 2025

This year’s Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) conference aimed to showcase how science communication can be used to “effect positive change” by “exploring transitions, traditions and tensions”. Fully aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals and the European Union's goals and priorities, Native Scientists mission perfectly matched this year's theme, as it lies in the pursuit for equity and inclusion in science and education, to reach a world where the full potential of every child can be met, no matter what their background is.

From the 27th to the 29th of May, a variety of speakers met in Aberdeen, Scotland, to focus on their impact on science communication and its positive effects on our changing world. Among those speakers was Native Scientists Operations Lead and co-founder of the Same Home Town programme, Joana Bordalo. Having received the Best Talk award at the 20243 PCST edition, Joana returned this year with two storytelling talks that shared our work in inclusive science education and the methodologies behind our educational programmes. 

Joana’s first talk, on the 27th of May, focused on how the use of AI and automations help us to sustainably expand our programmes without losing the personal touch that defines them. By identifying which elements to automate and which to keep human-led, we maintain our quality standards while maximising our impact. Through storytelling, Joana conveyed the message of how these tools enable more children to connect with scientists who share their background.

For her second talk, Joana reflected on the decade of impact of the Same Migrant Community programme: 26,000+ connections, 6,000+ children, 1,000+ scientists, 12 languages, and 12 European countries. She showed how outreach focused on migrant communities “can shift the scientific culture in Europe towards a more inclusive and inspirational paradigm”. The talk further explored scientists’ motivations to give back through culturally connected outreach and how this retribution through science and heritage language literacy promotion drives social change.

Representing Native at events like this is “personally fulfilling and professionally energizing,” says Joana. Connecting with others who are passionate about science education creates a strong sense of purpose and community that inspires her and renews her belief in our project.

Showcasing the work done in science communication provides opportunities to influence global practices and collaborate with others who are working to make science more accessible and equitable. “By sharing our work, we highlight the value of engaging underrepresented communities, especially children, in science through multilingual education”, Joana commented.

As we continue to scale our efforts, we remain guided by a shared vision: a world where equitable access to science is not only possible, but essential.

About Native Scientists

Native Scientists is a pan-European organisation that connects scientists with local communities to promote scientific literacy, cultural pride, and educational equity. Through innovative workshops, it inspires the next generation of scientists while celebrating the richness of linguistic and cultural diversity.

About PCST

Public Communication of Science and Technology is a global network created in 1989, which focuses on the promotion of innovative methods and perspectives on science and technology communication.