Neurosciences and Sustainability have been the protagonists in a series of four workshops during the month of July promoted by the Human Neurobehavioral Laboratory (HNL), of the Faculty of Education and Psychology, for more than 150 participants of the Junior University, a programme of summer courses at University of Porto.
These series of workshops, aimed at students from 10th to 12th grade, have been held on the Católica Porto campus and have given participants the opportunity to acquire knowledge about the relationship between neuroscience and our consumer behaviour, awakening interest and awareness about the crucial role that young people play in building a more sustainable world.
During the workshop, participants have had the opportunity to discuss strategies for promoting sustainability, encouraging students to adopt concrete, positive measures for the environment and the society. HNL has shared relevant data on neuroscience, highlighting how the human brain processes information and stimuli linked to sustainability.
Patrícia Oliveira-Silva, coordinator of the Human Neurobehavioral Laboratory and responsible for the consumer studies dimension f BE@T, states that “at HNL, we want to moderate the interaction between the consumer and the sector’s industry through neuroscience.” The lecturer and researcher confesses that “we can guide the next generations of consumers so that every purchase is na opportunity to make a difference.”
These workshops are part of the BE@T Project, in partnership with the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF), and integrate the protocol established with CITEVE – Textile Technology, in the scope of the partnership policy of Universidade Católica in Porto. The sessions, which are being organised by HNL with the presence of representatives from CITEVE, have brought together teachers, researchers and secondary school students in dynamic and interactive sessions.
The partnership between HNL and the Junior University has demonstrated a commitment to empowering young people to make conscious and sustainable decisions so that they can become agents of change in the community and the world. Through the sharing of knowledge and the participation of young people, the aim is to awaken their awareness to the search for a sustainable future.
