Santander Foundation recognises Native Scientists’ impact through the Inovação Social Award

The Inovação Social Award aims to distinguish initiatives in education and social wellbeing. In its first edition, the award recognised the impact and innovative approach of Native Scientists’ Same Home Town (SHT) programme, which brings children and scientists from the same hometown together.

With the aim of recognising initiatives in the relevant areas of education and social wellbeing, the Santander Foundation has created the Inovação Social Award. This first edition received 300 applications from which eight finalists were selected by an independent jury. Five organizations were then voted on by the Santander Foundation employees. Native Scientists was among the winners awarded on the 15th of December in Lisbon.

This recognition will support the expansion of the SHT programme in Portugal’s border sub-region, reaching around 200 children in the municipalities of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, Pinhel, and Sabugal. By prioritising rural and low-density areas, the SHT programme helps ensure that children growing up in more isolated communities have the opportunity to meet a scientist from their own hometown.

Representing Native Scientists were Nuno Almeida (Development & Marketing Lead), Sara Martins (Impact & Research Lead), and Catarina Miranda (Strategic Communications Lead). “This award is a powerful multiplier of the impact of our work,” said Nuno Almeida. “Beyond recognising our innovation, it allows us to actively reduce inequalities in access to education and lessen the weight that geography can have on children’s future possibilities,” he continues.

Bringing science closer to home

The SHT programme brings scientists from a wide range of disciplines back to the primary schools they once attended, fostering meaningful interactions between children and scientists from the same hometown, reducing inequalities, and promoting scientific literacy in Portugal. Since its launch in 2021, the programme has reached more than 7,500 children across the country, with 54% having met a scientist for the first time through this initiative.

The support of the Inovação Social Award will contribute to the 2030 goal of no child in Portugal progressing to Year 5 without first having met a scientist.

Apply to participate in the programme

If you are a scientist, your old primary school is in the municipalities of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, Pinhel, and Sabugal, and you would like to return to your hometown to deliver a workshop for the current students, apply here.

About Native Scientists

Native Scientists is a pan-European non-profit organisation connecting underserved children and scientists. It exists to broaden children's horizons, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities through science outreach educational programmes.

About Santander Foundation’s Inovação Social Award

The Santander Foundation’s Inovação Social Award recognises initiatives with strong social impact in the areas of education and social wellbeing. The prize supports innovative and sustainable solutions, encourages collaboration between partners, and promotes active social engagement.