PubhD Coimbra: “A different way to spend a Thursday night!”
PubhD Coimbra 2024/25 was attended by Helena Ferreira, from the PhD in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine. Her research at CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research addresses autism (“Feeling Autism: sensory changes in autism spectrum disorder”).
Why did you decide to participate in PubhD Coimbra?
I decided to participate because I am very interested in science communication initiatives. I think it is a part of a scientist's activity that is often overlooked, but it shouldn't be. Because I think it's important that we give back to society what society allows us to do - we are, most of the time, funded by public funds. And so I like science communication, it makes me feel good. I think it's good to share what we're doing here.
How was your experience in this edition of PubhD Coimbra?
I liked it, I was a little nervous, I didn't know what audience we were going to have, and so we were a little afraid that we were either going to explain everything in too much detail or not enough detail. But I think it was a good way for me to get out of that neuron and cell bubble and think about the primary objective of this doctoral project, understand a little the direction of the project again and realize that it is an issue that will help someone in society. And for that reason alone it is crucial.
Would you advise other colleagues to participate?
Oh yes, I think so. I think it's a great way to meet people, maybe - we don't know who we're going to meet here, who might be useful for our project. And even questions. I had questions that raised new questions for me that I can explore. And it's a good way to train our communication skills, which is always extremely important. A different way to spend a Thursday night! Yes, I recommend it!