Native Scientists team got together for the 2025 Retreat

Flexibility, better time management, increased productivity and reduced commuting costs are among the well-known benefits of remote work. However, the drawback to this perfect system is the lack of social interaction: the nemesis of teamwork.

At Native Scientists, we believe that teamwork makes the dream work. To foster interpersonal connections and build a sense of community, we organised our very first retreat. Despite the rain, the team gathered in Lagos, Portugal, from the 17th to the 18th of March, for two days of team-building and introspective analysis. From all over Portugal, the core team and volunteers met for an event that would impact us in ways we had yet to find out.

After the usual first icebreakers, we engaged in a series of workshops in which all of Native’s members got to know (and present) each other on a deeper level, forging bonds that will surely last through their time in the organisation. From building (un)stable towers out of the few resources provided and learning how to crochet, we then moved to the beach ending with a cold, freezing dive in the sea. This retreat built the perfect conditions to foster collaboration and creative problem-solving while having fun. The result? A more cohesive, motivated, and inspired team ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

But it wasn’t all about having fun and relaxing. The workshops were also a hub for devising strategies for Native’s future. Each department evaluated their strengths as well as their weaknesses, celebrating successes while tackling areas for improvement. Together, the team learned how to navigate diverse personalities and communicate effectively between members and with the public. Finally, we took a moment to reflect on Native’s achievements, aligning ourselves with the organisation’s objectives for the future.

"Our team retreat was an incredible opportunity to connect in person and grow both professionally and as an organisation. From insightful discussions on our work to engaging team-building activities and valuable training, we made the most of our time together. As a young and vibrant team, we left feeling more inspired, aligned, and ready to take on new challenges," commented our co-founder, Joana Moscoso. Joana is a strong promoter of building relationships among members, inspiring us on working towards future  goals and challenges ahead. 

Besides core members and volunteers, Native’s retreat had a very special guest. As Native’s sponsor, Paulo Marques, co-founder of Feedzai and TUMO Portugal, was invited to participate in this two-day retreat. He organised two of the most loved workshops, where he emphasised the importance of teamwork, outlining expectations and strategies to enhance workflow and communication. The lessons learned from these sessions will be invaluable for Native’s team  daily lives and professional endeavours. “It's fantastic to see a team so motivated to bring science to all primary school children in Portugal. I couldn't be happier with the privilege of being able to support this project,” said Paulo at the end of the intense two-days.

The retreat’s blend of team-building activities, workshops and spontaneous interactions left a lasting impression, with members highlighting the opportunity to meet their colleagues outside of their screens.

Several members even expressed a strong sense of purpose and appreciation for the organization's mission, highlighting their personal and professional growth as key benefits of their time with Native. One participant noted, "It made me realize how much I enjoy working with motivated people who are driven to make an impact," while another shared, "If all teams were like this, work would be a lot easier and a place you don't mind waking up in the morning to go to."

The overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the critical importance of organising dynamic events where bonds are solidified and collaboration is fostered, ensuring that Native Scientists remains a vibrant, motivated, and impactful force in promoting science literacy. Investing in these opportunities for in-person connection and shared experiences is not just a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining a strong, unified team dedicated to making a difference.