The Biology Students of the Academic Association of Coimbra (NEB/AAC) are organising a “Tribute to Jorge Paiva”, a retired professor and researcher from the Department of Life Sciences (DCV) of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC). The event occurs on March 12th, at 5 pm, on the 1st floor of DCV, Pole I of the University of Coimbra.
«To pay homage to one of the most illustrious botanists at the University of Coimbra», NEB/AAC prepared the exhibition “35 years of Postcards, A Life of Intervention”. The idea came about following the last Christmas Card - “Environment and Disillusionment” (2024), in which the Professor describes himself as disillusioned with the fact that he dedicated his entire professional life to environmental awareness and did not result in real actions.
«As future biologists and students at the University of Coimbra, we feel responsible for Professor Jorge Paiva's words and, therefore, we created this initiative that will include three distinct moments, which will be publicized throughout the semester», reveal the students.
The exhibition includes 35 Christmas Cards sent by Professor Jorge Paiva between 1990 and 2024 to hundreds of people, in what was one of the most important environmental awareness campaigns. «With this moment, we aim not only to honour the Professor and his entire life, but also to continue his fight for environmental awareness, which is now our responsibility», they state.
FCTUC students also organized the “Jorge Paiva Competition (University of Coimbra)” aimed at students, teachers, non-teachers and associated researchers. This initiative consists of submitting projects for the rehabilitation of urban spaces, such as parks, gardens, rivers, among others, in the district of Coimbra. Candidates will have to present and defend their ideas before a jury made up of DCV teachers and researchers. The winner will receive a prize of 200 euros, announced on May 14, 2025.
«We seek to show that, as a UC Community, we can and should play an active role in the life of the Coimbra district, in order to make it more sustainable and protective of the environment. We therefore aim to put into practice all the words and awareness campaigns spoken by Professor Jorge Paiva, throughout his life, in order to continue his fight, which is now ours», they conclude.