Nuno Ferrand, an Internationally Renowned Expert on Biodiversity, Visits MSC

To Exchange Ideas for Jointly Promoting Science Popularization and Education in Biodiversity

On October 24 and 26, Nuno Ferrand, an internationally renowned expert on biodiversity and professor at the Department of Biology, University of Porto of Portugal, visited Macao Science Center (MSC) and met with Curator Sio Hon Pan, also Board Member and Executive Committee Member of Macao Science Center Limited, Board Member U Hon Sang, and Professor and Board Member Kam-Weng Tam. Both sides exchanged views on how to bring into play the resource advantages of Macao and Portugal and jointly promote the science popularization and education in biodiversity.

On October 24, Prof. Ferrand visited the long-term galleries on biodiversity opened in August this year and listened to an introduction to biodiversity and relevant science popularization and education in Macao from MSC. Then on October 26, Prof. Ferrand delivered a speech to MSC employees concerning the origin of species and the relationship between biodiversity and evolution. He also introduced the main facilities of the Natural History and Science Museum of University of Porto (MHNC-UP), as well as the many collections of animals, plants and bones in the museum. These specimens are displayed in a unique way that combines art and science, with natural science, the origin of species, biodiversity and art combined in a skillful manner.

Prof. Ferrand highly complimented the science popularization and education work conducted by MSC. Afterward, both sides discussed on how to bring into play the resource advantages of Macao and Portugal and strengthen the science popularization and education in biodiversity for students.

The visit was jointly organized and supported by MSC and the Centre for Science and Engineering Promotion of University of Macau. Prof. Ferrand is now the Scientific Coordinator of the Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources of University of Porto, Director of the Doctoral Program in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution organized by University of Porto and University of Lisbon, as well as Director of MHNC-UP. His research has covered many areas ranging from the genetic diversity patterns of natural populations, ecology, conservation, and domestication to speciation. He has published over 150 SCI papers in Science and other international authoritative scientific journals.

A group photo of Prof. Nuno Ferrand and MSC representatives

Mr. Oscar Leong, Controller of MSC Education and Exhibits Department introduces to Prof. Nuno Ferrand the science popularization and education in biodiversity conducted by MSC

Prof. Nuno Ferrand delivers a training lecture to MSC employees

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Macao Science Center Limited                                                                                       49-PR-PUB-23

November 1, 2023