Tiago Alves - How the inspired became inspiring

The success of our mission can be measured through numbers, but some stories bring those numbers to life. For the first time, a pupil inspired by Native Scientists joins a workshop as a scientist.

Tiago Alves, son of Portuguese parents, was raised in London (UK) and attended a school from the Camões, I.P. UK and Channel Islands, which is dedicated to divulging the Portuguese language and culture. His interest, however, was not in linguistics but more in the mathematical sciences.

Pedro Marques, Tiago’s teacher at the Portuguese school, was aware of his interest in science and pushed him to attend a science workshop when he was a pupil in his school over 10 years ago. That was one of the first workshops from Native’s Same Migrant Community (SMC) programme. The workshop was possible thanks to the collaboration with the Coordenação do Ensino Português do Reino Unido. 

Meeting with Native’s founders, Joana Moscoso and Tatiana Correia, played an important role in Tiago's future, inspiring him to pursue science and supporting him in that journey. Tiago says, “It’s not that Native Scientists made me want to pursue science, because I always wanted to. But they gave me the motivation and the support needed to continue [to pursue science]”. From there on, Tiago Alves continued his career to become a physicist and the first of his family to go to University. 

Now, almost at the end of his PhD at the Imperial College London, he decided to give back to the organisation that was such a catalyst for his academic track. On the 7th of May, at St. Paul’s CE Primary School in London (a school inserted in the Camões Institute school network), Tiago was among five scientists inspiring children during the SMC workshop. 

The workshop showcased diverse areas of science, from Physics to Biology and Biochemistry. Through this workshop, around 50 children aged 7 to 15 got to learn how diverse science can be, and that their background wasn’t an obstacle in achieving their goal. 

Alongside Tiago Alves, who explained how neutrons are studied in specialised labs, the other participating scientists included Sandra Carvalho, also an ex-student from Camões Institute, who explored the role of science in the judicial system,  Beatriz Morais and Carolina Bento, who showed the inner workings of vaccines and cells, respectively, and Mariana Cabaça, who explored the world of luminescence.. 

From the Camões Institute teaching staff, present on the day were Pedro Marques and Olga Barradas, both Tiago’s former teachers, alongside Vanda Araújo, and Teresa Dangerfield, the first teacher to welcome Native Scientists into the Camões, I.P. schools, recognising early on the value of such a partnership.

The workshop took place the week in which World Portuguese Language Day was celebrated and was made possible thanks to the valuable support and collaboration of PARSUK, Camões Institute and the PA Foundation. Their partnership played a key role in offering the students a unique opportunity to engage with science in their native language, Portuguese, and to celebrate the prestige of the Portuguese language and culture among the communities living in the UK.

“We are fulfilling our mission. Having a past-student coming back here today to motivate other students is a sign of the success of our collaboration with Native.” says Cátia Verguete, Director of Camões, I.P. UK and Channel Islands., highlighting the profound and symbolic impact of the initiative. 

Through his participation in the workshop on the 7th of May, Tiago ‘s story with Native has come full circle. He hopes that the connections he built with these children allow him to actively support them to become scientists, just as the scientists’ he met 10 years ago supported him. 

Tiago’s journey illustrates the powerful, long-term impact of initiatives that connect science, language, and identity. His story is not only one of personal growth, but also a testament to what can happen when children are given the tools, support and encouragement to explore beyond the limits they and society set for themselves. As Tiago steps forward in his scientific career, he carries with him the legacy of those who inspired him and now lights the way for others to follow.

About Native Scientists

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

About Camões Institute

Camões, I.P. aims to be a reference body in the coordination and articulation of the government's foreign policy in the areas of international cooperation, promotion of the Portuguese language and culture as areas that are increasingly seen by states as instruments for projecting their influence and defending their interests.

About PARSUK

PARSUK is an independent, non-profit organisation that supports the integration and development of Portuguese students, researchers, and post-graduate professionals in the UK. With a growing network of over 2,000 members, it aims to build a strong, collaborative community through events, training opportunities, and science diplomacy. PARSUK also promotes Portuguese culture and encourages active contribution to scientific and social progress in both the UK and Portugal.

About PA Foundation

The PA Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to empowering people from underserved backgrounds to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Established in 2021, it expands access to education, skills, and careers—especially in STEM fields—by addressing the barriers that limit opportunity. The Foundation supports PA’s volunteering efforts through targeted grants, helping charities and non-profits create real, lasting impact.