I disseminate, therefore I exist.
The act of disseminating is fundamental to communicating new discoveries, educating and promoting debate and reflection.
The role of museums in science communication is key to making knowledge accessible and inspiring the public through exhibitions and educational programmes.
The museum disseminates
Through exhibitions, but also through the publications, events and actions they promote, museums offer different perspectives on themes, objects and specimens, stimulating our imagination and showing that reality has multiple perspectives.
The smallest details
Plastination is a fundamental technique for disseminating anatomical knowledge. This method preserves the tissues of biological specimens, revealing anatomically correct bodies.
Plantinated circulatory system (2012) by António Costa Silva, Senior anatomy technicianNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Disseminating complexity
This plastinated upper circulatory system shows all the human circulatory details and fascinates us with its detail.
Spreading the cure
Pharmacopoeias are compendiums of knowledge and chemical formulas related to the production and use of drugs and medicines. Since their first edition, they have played a fundamental role in disseminating vital information, promoting quality and safety standards.
Materia Medica (botanical active compounds) (1900) by Botanical Lecturer at the Polytechnic Academy of PortoNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Materia Medica
This collection of jars we see here contains dehydrated plants and fungal and lichen organs with medicinal properties attributed to ethnobotanical work.
On the wings of dissemination
Butterfly specimens in museum collections are important tools for disseminating scientific knowledge about the diversity and ecology of these insects and the environment in which they live. They fascinate with their beauty and communicate the marvellous diversity of this group.
Blackbelly rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus)Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Drawing is spreading the word
DISSEMINATING information through scientific illustrations, books and specimens is essential for communicating scientific knowledge in an accessible and educational way, fostering understanding and public interest in the various areas of science.
PO Herbarium specimen of "Narcissus cyclamineus DC".Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
On paper: from specimen to drawing
Centenary specimen from the Herbarium collection of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP/PO) of Narcissus cyclamineus DC. Specimens like this were used by illustrators such as Sara Cabral Ferreira (1871-1926) for Gonçalo Sampaio's Iconography of Portuguese Flora.
Archetypes of life
Scientific illustrations are important tools for better understanding the characteristics of species, such as this Narcissus cyclamineus DC. by Sara Cabral Ferreira.
These visual reproduction formats are essential for publicising species.
The power of imagery
The photographic image became a resource used to publicise scientific results. At the University of Porto's Anthropology Museum, in 1912, images were produced for publications and teaching, which included retouching directly on the glass negative or even on paper.
Three-dimensional models
Three-dimensional anatomical models represent organisms that are usually invisible to the naked eye, making it possible to study both the internal and external anatomy of animals and plants. Produced on an enlarged scale and the result of collaboration between scientists and artists, these objects have pedagogical and educational value, but also make it possible to access realities of which only fragments are known.
Botanical models: these are essential for research, education and scientific DISSEMINATION as they provide a detailed understanding of the anatomy, morphology and specific characteristics of the organisms they represent. These tools scaffold the detailed study of plant structures, contributing to advances in botanical knowledge and acquainting the public with the diversity and importance of plants and fungi.
Foraminifera models (Séc. XIX/XX; 19 th /20 th century)Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Foraminifera models
These models are essential for research in marine biology, geology and palaeontology, besides being used in teaching and scientific dissemination, illustrating the diversity and importance of these microorganisms.
Models of species of the human family (2019) by Kennis and Kennis reconstructionsNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Disseminating human evolution
Species models of the human family combine art and science to reconstruct the ancient species of the great human family.
The Naked Ape (1967) by Desmond MorrisNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Disseminate to evolve.
The Naked Ape, written by Desmond Morris in 1967, addresses human behaviour from a zoological perspective, exploring themes such as sex, aggression and culture. The book provoked significant debate by challenging conventional concepts about human nature.
Interested in Natural history?
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