“Archives of Knowledge: Science, History, and Memory” with a session dedicated to Miguel Mota, a pioneering researcher in plant genetics

The new cycle of sessions "Archives of Knowledge: Science, History, and Memory" will take place on March 11, at 2: 30 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Professor Manuel Galvão de Melo e Mota (Lusófona University), who will give a presentation on the theme "Miguel Mota, agronomist, researcher, and professor: a man ahead of his time."

Miguel Eugénio Galvão de Melo e Mota (1922-2016) was one of Portugal's leading researchers and pioneers in the field of plant genetics. He published articles in scientific journals and magazines, advocating agricultural research and rural extension, as well as the interconnection between these two activities. A professor, engineer, and agronomist, he was the founder of the Portuguese Society of Genetics and the Portuguese Society of Electron Microscopy and was very active in civic life, publishing several opinion articles. He received several awards and distinctions and in 2006 was awarded anhonorarydoctorate by the University of Évora, where he was a visiting professor between 1983 and 1992, for his pioneering contribution to genetics in Portugal. He left behind a significant collection, much of which is held in the FCT Science and Technology Archive, consisting of articles (research and dissemination), scientific conference programs, and photographs, among other items.

This session will be moderated by Cláudia Henriques, from the Center for Communication and Society Studies at the University of Minho. The event will take place at the FCT premises (Av. D. Carlos I, 126, Lisbon) and admission is free, subject to prior registration, until March 10. The detailed program is available on the ACT website.

This is an initiative of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), promoted through its Science and Technology Archive, and aims to disseminate the documentary collection of the FCT Science and Technology Archive, which has unique characteristics for the history of scientific activity in Portugal. Through these short sessions, in an informal and collaborative environment, the aim is to stimulate knowledge and study of the documentation held by the FCT, which is of great importance to the history of science, scientific policies, institutions, and research in Portugal.

See the page for this cycle of sessions for more information.