The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stated today in Furnas that the Government of the Azores has "strongly invested" in the field of science since 2012, stressing that the regional network of Science Centres "has benefited from an investment over half a million Euros per year.”

"We will only achieve economic growth based on knowledge," Fausto Brito e Abreu defended, pointing out science as "the driving force of innovation that has the potential to create new companies and jobs."

As for scientific research, the Regional Secretary recalled that "the Regional Government launched a tender for the submission of scientific research projects" in the amount of 2.9 million Euros. It is open to researchers based in the Region.

Speaking on the sidelines of a visit to Azores Microbial Observatory, Brito e Abreu stressed "the importance of science centres in science communication, which range from schoolchildren to tourists and visitors."

"Through these centres, science is accessible to everyone in a fun way," the Regional Secretary said, pointing out that the educational activities promoted by these spaces "stimulate young people's interest in science."

In this sense, the government official stressed "the importance of the Microbial Observatory for visitors and school children, providing them with the opportunity to know a hidden reality that is the microbial biodiversity of our hot springs, geysers and craters."

During the visit, the Regional Secretary for Science also covered the Itinerary of Furnas Medicinal Mineral Water, which is considered by experts as one of the largest hydropolis in the world.

The Azores Microbial Observatory includes the network of Azorean Science Centres. It promotes knowledge about biodiversity and microbial ecology, with special emphasis on microbial diversity in the thermal hot springs of the Azores.