Paula Ravasco: "It is important to celebrate World Science Day to instil a taste for science in the younger generations"

The World Science Day that is celebrated today is, according to scientist Paula Ravasco, da Católica Medical School, an opportunity to "reflect on the challenges for the future and instil a taste for science in the younger generations."

For the researcher, it is important to "mark and draw attention to the role of science in human development and society, highlighting the great names of science and their contributions to humanity."

A researcher in Biomedicine and Clinical Medicine in Nutrition, Metabolism and Medicine, Paula Ravasco believes that the work of researchers is "undervalued, but this is never the case from patients and/or family members or caregivers."

"I learned everything I know and improved everything I learned from the patients I was privileged to meet in my life. They have guided and set my priorities, and every day my ambition and ability to strive harder and better to create more knowledge. I owe them everything," adds the researcher.

Although there is still some lack of recognition, and the constant need for "tremendous effort and dedication", the scientist always keeps in mind that research "can influence/change the life, health and disease of people" and "implies fighting alongside them, with them, and for them", and that is what drives her.

"I am a medical doctor and a nutritionist and an infinitely better clinician for having chosen to do research in my clinical practice, every day. I never separate myself from my research mindset, whenever I speak, or when I treat those in front of me and whenever I share that knowledge with my students," she concludes.

As for the great discovery she wants to reach, ultimately what all researchers seek, Paula Ravasco confesses that she wishes the results of her research "to reach all patients", because "science is not only made of great discoveries, it is mainly made of the impact they have in changing the course of diseases and improving the life of the human being".

With an admirable career, the scientist fondly remembers all those who inspired her and helped her get here. This is the case of professor Maria Ermelinda Camilo, supervisor of her PhD and coordinator of her first research projects. From her she recalls "the permanent enthusiasm, courage and motivation, alongside with the constructive criticism, decisive for the quality of all the published articles".  

Another name she mentions is professor Kenneth Fearon, who "jokingly referred to me as Dame Ravasco. A true visionary, and a being superior to any superciliousness", or even "professor Pedro Marques Vidal, for being the first and the centraliser of this path; he opened the doors to scientific research and teaching; for his invaluable collaboration in countless collaborative international studies up to the present day."

A path shared with great scientists, who achieved success and international recognition, for having "curiosity, culture and courage. As Abel Salazar said, the doctor who only knows medicine, doesn't even know medicine".

We could not finish without asking Paula Ravasco what she feels about seeing her name in the World's Top 2% Scientists 2022, as one of the most cited scientists in the world.

The answer is enlightening: "Having the privilege and merit of seeing my work recognised and cited internationally is in itself unique and the greatest milestone in any career dedicated to research."