Lourenço Leite: "No important challenge can be solved by a single field of knowledge alone."

You are currently studying for a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Sciences. What led you to choose this programme?

What attracted me most to the degree in Liberal Sciences was the opportunity to understand how science interacts with society, technology, ethics, the environment, and decision-making. It seemed to be a very distinctive programme compared to others available, allowing me to develop a broad, multidisciplinary perspective on today's societal and global challenges while preparing me to find solutions that can make a real difference in people's lives.

You are now in the third and final year of the programme. What has surprised you the most throughout this journey?

The diversity of the courses and the way they are connected. At first, it seemed unusual to study biology, programming, psychology, law, and philosophy within the same degree, but I soon realised that each discipline provides a different perspective on the same problem. I was also surprised by the close relationship between lecturers and students, which made both the transition to university and the learning experience much easier. It has also been incredibly enriching to share classes with students from many different degree programmes.

“Interdisciplinarity is what best defines this degree, which prepares professionals who can understand complex problems through multiple perspectives”

What is it like to study such different subjects at the same time?

It is challenging, but extremely rewarding. It constantly pushes me outside my comfort zone and encourages me to develop different ways of thinking. One day I might be solving scientific problems, and the next discussing ethical issues or analysing human behaviour. This variety has helped me become more adaptable, develop critical thinking, and gain a much broader understanding of reality.

What have you learned from this diversity?

I have learned that no important challenge can be solved by a single field of knowledge alone.

Is interdisciplinarity more important than ever?

Absolutely. In fact, interdisciplinarity is what best defines this degree. Rather than training specialists in a single discipline, from day one, the programme prepares professionals who can understand complex problems through multiple perspectives. This makes us better equipped to work in multidisciplinary teams, communicate with professionals from different backgrounds, and adapt to a wide range of professional challenges throughout our careers.

“I would like to contribute to developing solutions that reduce environmental impact and promote a more efficient use of resources”

The programme also has a strong practical component. Is there a project that particularly stood out for you?

I would highlight the Environmental Microbiology course and the project I developed throughout the semester with a classmate. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my degree because it was the first time I had built a project almost entirely from scratch in a field that was completely new to me. Our lecturers were always available to guide us and answer our questions, but all the research, planning, development, and presentation were carried out by us.
That level of autonomy challenged us to think critically, search for scientific information, make decisions, and solve problems throughout the project. It was demanding, but also incredibly rewarding. By the end, I felt I had learned much more than just the course content, as I had also developed organisational, teamwork, and research skills that I know will be valuable in the future.

You are also a professional racing driver. How do you balance your studies with competitive motorsport?

I compete in the Caterham Motorsport Iberia Championship, an experience that requires a great deal of commitment both on and off the track. Balancing a racing season with university demands strong organisational skills, discipline, and effective time management. There are weekends when I am competing in another country while also making sure I keep up with classes, submit assignments, and stay on top of my academic work.

What has motorsport and competitive sport taught you?

More than just a sport, motorsport has been a school of personal growth. It has taught me how to deal with pressure, learn from mistakes, work effectively as part of a team, and continuously strive to improve. I feel these skills are reflected in my academic journey and in the way I approach the challenges I face every day.

What is your main area of interest?

I am particularly interested in sustainability, which I believe is one of today's greatest challenges. I would like to contribute to developing solutions that reduce environmental impact and promote a more efficient use of resources, making human activities more sustainable.
Within sustainability, I am especially interested in the circular economy and in finding ways to reuse resources, reduce waste, and create more efficient systems. I would also like to contribute to tackling climate change through the development and implementation of solutions related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other technologies that help reduce emissions and build a more sustainable society. I believe science and innovation have a fundamental role to play in addressing these challenges, and I hope to contribute to that change in the future.

What are your plans for the future?

I intend to continue developing my career in motorsport, with the goal of reaching the highest possible level of competition. At the same time, I want to remain connected to science and innovation by applying the knowledge I have gained at university to projects related to sustainability, technology, and engineering. I believe it is possible to combine these two passions.