Program

DAY ONE – May 15

Single link to access all of of this day's panels, here

Participation (questions or comments) is done exclusively via the virtual room chat. All sessions will be recorded.

9h – Introductory Panel

Álvaro Nascimento (Dean of the University Fernando Pessoa)

Pedro Reis (Director of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences - University Fernando Pessoa)

Lúcio Santos (Coordinator of the Integrated Master of Medicine - University Fernando Pessoa)

Teresa Toldy (President of the International Chair of Bioethics - University Fernando Pessoa)

Marina Lencastre (Coordinator of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being)

Rui Estrada (Coordinator of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being)


9h20-10h00 – Inaugural Conference

Jonathan McFarland - An Ecological Health Humanities: Hope for the future 

Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and as Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Linguistics, Sechenov Medical University.  He is a member of AMEE (Association Medical Education Europe), and ASME (Association for the Study of Medical Education). He is also a Committee member of EUNAMES (European Narrative Medicine Society).

 

10h-11h30 – Panel I

Medicine of the 21st century: What role for the Humanities?

Person-centred care, based on the principles of dignity, compassion and respect, was designed as a response to the lack of the intersubjective dimension in the so called evidence-based medicine. Can Person-Centred Care be fully implemented if Arts and Humanities are not integrated in care? What are the core skills that a physician needs in the 21st century? How can digital technologies interact with health professionals, patients and caregivers for the benefit of all the people involved in healthcare? Which lens is being used to see and read healthcare in our societies? The brave new world of AI and the potential reshaping of the ethical self understanding of the human species pose challenges and threats that need to be addressed in the context of medical education, of health professionals daily practice and of the life of all citizens. Arts and Humanities provide skills that can make a difference by fostering the capacity to integrate uncertainty and unpredictability into clinical reasoning. In fact, narrative requires openness to changes in the plot thread, curiosity, the ability to move backwards and forwards so that one can eventually give meaning to the whole story, and attention to the meaningful details.

Chair - Susana Magalhães

Ph.D. in Bioethics from the Portuguese Catholic University, is the Coordinator of the Unit for Responsible Conduct in Research (URCR) at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health -- i3S (University of Porto), Assistant Professor at Fernando Pessoa University, and researcher in the fields of Narrative Medicine and Ethics and Integrity of Scientific Research. Member of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being at Fernando Pessoa University.

Ricardo Ricci - Medical Humanities and the Future: an Irrevocable Will for Consolidation

Full Professor of Medical Anthropology. Department of Mental Health, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Faculty of Medicine, National University of Tucumán. Professor of Medicine Epistemology. PhD of Medicine and in the Specialization Career in University Teaching. Faculty of Medicine, National University of Tucumán. Professor of Bioethics and Legal Issues in the Bachelor of Speech Therapy program, Decroly Agreement – Faculty of Medicine, National University of Tucumán. Professor of Anthropology and Complex Systems. 

Teresa Casal - Reconnecting: The Humanities and Healthcare, the Person and the Community

Assistant Professor at the Center for English Studies at the University of Lisbon. Her main areas of research are Irish Studies, Health Humanities, Narrative Medicine, Literary Translation, and Narrative Studies. She obtained her PhD in Literary Studies (English Literature) in 2007, studying the intersections between literature, health, and human experiences. 


11h30-12h – Coffee break


12h-13h30 – Panel II

Healthcare, Biomedicine and Ethics

This panel explores contemporary issues at the intersection of healthcare, biomedicine, and ethics, examining how advancements in technology and treatment present both opportunities and moral quandaries. We will discuss ethical considerations in different aspects of contemporary healthcare involving recent technologies of diagnosis and treatment. The discourse aims to outline the need for evolving ethical frameworks and policies that keep pace with the rapid innovation in biomedicine while safeguarding human dignity and well-being 

Chair - Daniela Mendes

Currently Coordinator Professor of the Integrated Masters of Medicine at the University Fernando Pessoa.  Subspecialist in Liver Diseases by the Specialty College of Internal Medicine of the Medical Association (2023). Specialist in Internal Medicine from the College of Internal Medicine Specialty of the Medical Association (2014). PhD in Medicine and Molecular Oncology from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Portugal (2014). 

Ana Sofia Carvalho - The Future of Bioethics: Confronting Emerging Issues  

Full Professor at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS) at the University of Porto and an ethics consultant at CUF Hospitals. She was Associate Professor with Aggregation in Bioethics until May 2021 and holder of the UNESCO Portuguese Chair in Bioethics at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP). Until 2019, she was also director of the Bioethics Institute. She was a member of the European on Ethics in Science and Technology (EGE) from 2017 to 2021 and a member of the National Ethics Council in the Life Sciences Group. 

Paolo Parini - Data Driven Healthcare: Better to Think "Outside the Box," or to "Expand the Box"?

Professor of Clinical Chemistry and cardiometabolic diseases at the molecular level. Coordinator at Cardio Metabolic Unit, CMU, a research constellation driving innovative and implementable research and education, closely integrated with specialized health care. In line with its translational approach, CMU is linked to the Department of Medicine, Huddinge and Department of Laboratory Medicine at Campus Flemingsberg. 


13h30-14h30 – Lunch


14h30-16h – Panel III

Democracy, Social Justice and Health Systems

Discrimination occurs everywhere, adversely affecting mental and physical health across all ages, contributing to health inequities. The individual perspective addresses the adverse health outcomes experienced across the life course. However, a bigger picture must be considered - Health and health inequalities are determined by active, complex, and constantly evolving processes. These issues will be addressed in our session by our first speaker – Delan Devakumar. Following this talk, we will consider the interactions between “Democratic Institutions, the Well-Being Economy and the Rights of Future Generations” presented by João José Fernandes.The speakers kindly took their time to be with us and help envision fairer societies and a more just world.

Chair - José Calheiros 

Professor of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine. Board certified in Public Health and Internal Medicine. PhD in Medical Anthropology (University of Connecticut, USA). Member of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being at Fernando Pessoa University.

Devan Devakumar - How Racism and Xenophobia Impact Health

Professor of Global Child Health in University College London and an honorary consultant in Public Health. He is Director of the UCL Centre for the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents. Delan was lead for the Lancet Series on ‘racism, xenophobia, discrimination and health’ and is director and founder of the UCL Race & Health group. Delan is chair of the new Lancet Commission on Racism and Child and Adolescent Health.

João Nunes Fernandes – Democratic Institutions, the Well-Being Economy and the Rights of Future Generations

Holder of a degree in Theology and Humanities (1996), he obtained the Advanced Studies Diploma in 'Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies' in 2010, as part of the Doctoral Program of the University of Lisbon and the New University of Lisbon. He has been the Executive Director of Oikos - Cooperation and Development (NGO) since October 2004. 


16h-16h30 – Coffee break


16h30-18h – Panel IV

Societies, Technologies and Artificial Intelligence

This panel will discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the field of information and in the field of education, seeking to explore the benefits and risks of this new technology in social organizations. At a time when Artificial Intelligence emerges as an intrusive element in numerous areas of knowledge and in professional environments, it is essential to understand the implications in sensitive areas of society, such as the dissemination of information in the media and the dissemination of knowledge in schools.

Chair - Ricardo Jorge Pinto 

PhD in Media Studies from the University of Sussex (United Kingdom). He is an Associate Professor at Fernando Pessoa University. He has been a journalist since 1988, currently works at the Lusa news agency. He is a resident commentator on National Politics at Portuguese Radio Television. Member of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being at Fernando Pessoa University.

Daniel Catalão - Artificial Intelligence and Journalism: Threats and Opportunities 

PhD in Digital Media from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, is Assistant Professor at the University of Maia and Coordinator of the Communication Sciences Degree. He teaches Television Journalism and Cyber Journalism. He is a Journalist / Presenter at RTP (Portugueses Service Media) specialist in new technologies and the internet, author and host of TecNet program. 

Miryam Morron - Artificial Intelligence and Personalized Education 

Colombian writer, who explores and investigates educational systems and educational methodologies. She has a bachelor's degree in modern languages, and she is a linguistics specialist. She also has a master's degree in Neuropsychology and Education and she is applying for a doctorate in Education. 

DAY TWO – May 16

Single link to access all of of this day's panels, here

Participation (questions or comments) is done exclusively via the virtual room chat. All sessions will be recorded.


9h30-11h – Panel V

Planetary Health: Interactions and Implications for a Changing World

The panel seeks to foster an enriching dialogue on the complexity of planetary health, exploring the multifaceted dynamics that extend beyond climate change alone. We broaden our focus to analyse the relationships between planetary health and essential components such as mental health, biophilia, and the therapeutic effects of nature contact. This includes turning attention to social disparities, identifying the most vulnerable to planetary health risks, both on a global and local scale. We aim to showcase adaptable approaches in healthcare systems, policies, and practices, creating a roadmap for a resilient and sustainable future. 

Chairs - Marina Lencastre & Diogo Vidal 

PhD in Psychology (UCL, Belgium), Psychotherapist and Specialist Supervisor in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology. She is a retired Full Professor of the University of Porto and currently Coordinator of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being at Fernando Pessoa University. 

PhD in Ecology and Environmental Health (2022). He has been a research fellow in several projects funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, I.P.).  Assistant Researcher at CFE-University of Coimbra. Member of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being at Fernando Pessoa University.

Sue Stuart Smith - The Well Gardened Mind: The Importance of Nature for Mental Health

A prominent psychiatrist and psychotherapist, graduated in English literature at Cambridge University before going on to train as a doctor. She worked in the National Health Service for many years, becoming the lead clinician for psychotherapy in Hertfordshire. She currently works for DocHealth, a not-for-profit service that helps doctors suffering from stress and burnout. 

Luciana Souza Bragança - Multispecies Project: A Multispecies Approach to Communities in Urban Spaces in Times of the Anthropocene

PhD in Architecture and Urbanism and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Projects at the School of Architecture of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, EA-UFMG. She coordinates the extension program "Political Nature" and the project "Urban Nature," leads the research "Possible Gardens and Water in the City". She is involved in MAPAS - Mapping, Analysis, Forecast, and Socio-Environmental Actions.


11h-11h30 – Coffee break


11h30-13h – Panel VI

Humanities, Socioecological Knowledge, and Citizen Science in Health

This panel will address the intersection of the humanities, social-ecological knowledge, and citizen science in health and how these fields intertwine to promote a holistic understanding of health and well-being. We will discuss how public participation, particularly through citizen science, advances health research and practice by engaging common people in scientific inquiry and improving the quality of life in communities. This collaborative and inclusive approach aims to address complex health challenges while advancing scientific knowledge and strengthening the relationship between science and society.

Chair - Hélder Lopes 

PhD in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Minho and a PhD degree in Geography, Spatial Planning and Environmental Change, from the University of Barcelona, received 10 scientific awards and is an invited assistant professor at the Department of Geography at the University of Minho. Integrated researcher at the Lab2PT, collaborator of the IdRA - Climatology Group (Barcelona) and member of the Compor Mundos Network - Humanities, Well-being, and Health.

Montserrat Llasat Botija - Empowering Communities: FLOODUP Initiative - Education and Citizen Science for Climate Resilience

Bachelor's degree in Biology and researcher at GAMA. Specialized in science outreach and communication. Her research focuses on the social impact and perception of natural risks, particularly floods. She is responsible for the FloodUP project (http://www.floodup.ub.edu). 

Cynthia Luderer - The Proliferation of 8 billion Sips and Bites from a Citizen Science Perspective

PhD in Communication and Semiotics from the Communication and Semiotics program at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, with a sandwich program internship conducted in conjunction with the Food Anthropology program at the Rovira i Virgili University, Tarragona, Spain. As a researcher, she works with two Brazilian research groups: Memory, Communication, and Consumption (Mnemon), maintained by the School of Advertising and Marketing of São Paulo (ESPM-SP).


13h-14h30 – Lunch

 

14h30-16h – Panel VII

Transdisciplinar Humanities Education in Environment, Health and Well-Being

The development of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research since the late 20th century translates into a concerted drive of efforts, competencies, and knowledge among social, environmental, and health scientists seeking answers to the complex issues facing humanity today. Research coalesces around challenging problems that no single country can solve alone, and with supranational guidance that seeks, until 2030, to contribute to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs ). Recognizing the interconnection between areas of knowledge and the solutions to the complex problems of contemporary societies, this panel emphasizes the importance of education for sustainable development and the global well-being of societies. 

Chair - Rui Leandro Maia 

Ph.D in Sociology (2002), MSc in History of Populations (1995) and graduated in History (1988). He is currently Invited Associate Professor at Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal, and researcher at CITCEM Transdisciplinary Research Centre  Porto. Member of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being at Fernando Pessoa University.

Eduardo Missoni - The Role of Education in Search of Sustainability, Health and Quality of Life of the Populations

Italian medical doctor, Former Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Currently an adjunct professor at the SDA Bocconi School of Management, and at the Faculty of Sociology of the University Milano-Bicocca, in Italy . He is also visiting professor at the Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica in México teaching Global Health and Development Cooperation and Management of International Organizations.

Nelson Barros - The Environmental Problems We Need to Solve Until 2030

PhD in Environmental Sciences, a MSc in Thermal Engineering and a degree in Environmental Engineering. Since 2000, he is professor at Fernando Pessoa University and coordinator of several study cycles. At present, he is Associate Professor with habilitation at UFP, coordinator of the PhD program in Ecology and Environmental Health, member of FP I3ID and member of the CINTESIS.

 

16h-16h30 – Coffee break


16h30-18h – Panel VIII

Cultures, Natures, Arts and Health: The Role of Humanities in Global Societies

The richness and diversity of aesthetic reception, the formative and transformative role of sensitivity and its intellectualization, which the artistic process promotes and intensifies, emerge as poles of a contemporaneity that lacks slowness. Being healthy implies knowing how to breathe and having breathing strategies in crisis situations (including, of course, in the clinical sense). The challenge here is to find the breath of things, to avoid being breathless. And from this disposition, enrich modes and rhythms of understanding. Exploring the framework of the Social Sciences and Humanities for the possibilities of the artistic dimension to enrich life, and thereby enhance health and well-being, this panel proposes the search of a common denominator between two languages, cinema and painting, and their ability to enrich perception. 

Chair - Eduardo Paz Barroso 

Full Professor of Fernando Pessoa University,  researcher at LabCom, University of Beira Interior. Ph.D. in Communication Sciences at Nova University Lisbon. He has been a cultural and artistic programmer and president in various public and private institutions. He was a consultant for SBAL at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, a professional journalist. Member of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being at Fernando Pessoa University.

Caterina Cuccinotta - On the "Movement of Things"

PhD in Communication Sciences from Nova University Lisbon (2015) and is an assistant professor at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid. She was a postdoctoral research fellow funded by FCT at the Institute of Contemporary History of Nova University Lisbon, where she developed the project "Costumes and spatial texture: design and art in Portuguese cinema of the last 50 years," and coordinated the research group "Culture, Identities and Power" (2021-2023). 

Gabriela Albergaria - “…Between the Tree, Sky and Earth there is a Commitment of Tenderness ..." 

Degree in Fine Arts – Painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto. She received a scholarship from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Participation in several artistic residency programs, such as Kunstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin (2000-2001); Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris (2004): Villa Arson, Center National d'Art Contemporain, Nice (2008); Museum of Modern Art of Bahia, Salvador da Bahia (2008).

Lia Chaia - The body: between nature and the city 

Degree in fine arts. Her work encompasses photography, video, performance, drawing and installation. Interested in everyday perceptions and experiences, and the tension between urban space, body and nature. Exhibited in 2024, Organoid, at Galeria Vermelho, in 2022, Máscara-corpo, at Projeto Clareira- Museu de Arte Contemporânea/USP- São Paulo, Átomo at Galeria Vermelho- São Paulo, in 2019, Percurso- Galeria Aymoré- Rio de Janeiro and Febril- Galeria Vermelho- São Paulo.


18h-19h – Conclusion and Final Conference

18h-18h30 – Conclusion 

Rui Estrada & Elsa Simões – Synthesis of the Symposium

Habilitation in 2008 from the University of Lisbon, PhD in Languages and literatures in 2001 from the University of Lisbon, Master's degree in Literature Theory in 1995 from the University of Lisbon and Degree in Modern Languages and Literatures - Portuguese Studies variant in 1991 at Universidade Nova de Lisboa. He is a Full Professor at the Fernando Pessoa University. He is Coordinator of the network Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being.

Associate Professor since 2010, at Fernando Pessoa University, PhD in Linguistics from the University of Lancaster - UK (2003), a Master's degree in Anglo-American Studies from the Faculty of Letters of the University of Porto (FLUP) - Portugal (1997), and a Degree in Modern Languages and Literature - French and English Studies from the Faculty of Letters of the University of Porto (FLUP) - Portugal (1991). She is a membre of the Composing Worlds. Humanities, Health and Well-Being.

 18h30-19h – Final Conference

Salvato Trigo (President of the Fernando Pessoa Foundation)