Starting today, Expolab in Lagoa becomes the 20th science centre to join the Network of “Live Science” Centres, interactive spaces dedicated to scientific dissemination and technological research.

The Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures presided over the signing ceremony of the protocol this morning and highlighted the importance of this event for "the path followed by the scientific community in the Azores, the entities and the Regional Government with the aim of giving meaning to the so-called knowledge society."

According to José Contente, "the six scientific dissemination observatories and the inclination of the Azorean people to use tools in the context of information and communication technologies (computer, internet and broadband) represent a long evolution from 2003 up to today. The use of technologies grew from 16% - 20% to the second region in the country as a result of the intense investments made by the government in this area.

Moreover, the government official stressed the importance of having well-informed citizens either in schools or in non-formal education contexts for the construction of a more participating and enlightened society.

For José Contente, the inclusion of Expolab in the national network of Live Science Centres is part of the regional strategy towards a future with new opportunities, increased competitiveness and innovation, and enhanced scientific knowledge.