The Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Center of Valparaíso (CINV UV) donated 64 copies of the first edition of its book “DeMente 2. Two heads think more than one.” This work, which addresses various aspects of neuroscience through scientific articles edited for a wide audience, was described as a valuable resource for the educational communities of the public system of Valparaíso and Juan Fernández. The delivery of the copies was part of the celebration of World Book and Copyright Day, underlining the CINV UV’s commitment to the dissemination of science and knowledge in key educational environments.
Andrea Calixto, director of the CINV UV and academic at the University of Valparaíso, accompanied by Moisés Acevedo, executive director, and Jesús Olivares, coordinator of Extension and Dissemination of the same center, met with the directors and authorities of the Local Public Education Service ( SLEP) of the communes of Valparaíso and Juan Fernández, to deliver the copies.
Ignanio Melo, in charge of Continuous Improvement and Technical Pedagogical Support at the Valparaíso Local Public Education Service, expressed his support for the initiative: “I think it is an excellent initiative that the CINV of the University of Valparaíso and the Local Public Education Service link and promote the delivery of these texts. Although it is a book by establishment, in a symbolic way, its impact on the knowledge of topics as relevant as neuroscience will be considerable.”
Melo added that “in our 66 educational establishments, which range from schools and high schools to kindergartens, we serve from basic and secondary education to programs for youth and adults, special schools and confinement contexts, such as the Prison School, covering all modalities.” of the educational system and housing almost 18 thousand Students. Neurosciences also represent a stimulus for our teachers, challenging them to rethink their educational methods and strategies. This drive toward innovation allows them to adapt their teachings to prepare our students for today’s world, enabling them to meet the challenges of the 21st century with a more effective and relevant education.”
For her part, Dr. Andrea Calixto highlighted the importance of this donation by expressing: “This initiative is continuous and promising, and we will surely see more deliveries in the future. It is essential for us that science is accessible and understandable to everyone. We want to demystify the idea that science is something unattainable and alien, because it is rooted in curiosity and the questions that we all ask ourselves. This particular book seeks to share scientific stories that reveal secrets, but does so in a way that anyone can understand, even those who are not scientists. It is designed to encourage discussion and allow people to stay informed about the latest scientific advances, as it is based on cutting-edge research that seeks to answer today’s most pressing questions.”
Likewise, the researcher stated that “in terms of our relationship with the community, it is part of our essence. As a basic science center, we have a deep commitment to the community since our inception. We receive funding from the State and firmly believe in contributing to public well-being and public education. Education is the pillar of a country’s development, and that guides our actions. “We spend time on our research, but also communicating it in a way that is relevant and understandable to everyone.”
Finally, Jesús Olivares revealed that “the book we present has its own characteristics that make it unique. With a collaboration of nearly forty authors, all postgraduate students, this project reflects the commitment and dedication of students in training in the field of neurosciences, specifically from the Master’s and Doctorate programs in Neurosciences at the University of Valparaiso. Each article in the book goes through a rigorous selection and preparation process. Students, after analyzing scientific articles in English, discuss them with the editorial team, made up of the entire course committee. Once selected, the students are in charge of constructing a story in Spanish, which is subsequently reviewed and published in the electronic newspaper El Mostrador. In addition, each chapter undergoes scientific editing and professional formatting for final publication.”
The doctor in Neuroscience highlighted that “the essence of this book lies in the collaboration and dedication of all the students and coordinators involved. Our main objective is to disseminate science in an entertaining and educational way, addressing diverse and relevant topics for everyday life, from the impact of emotions on our impulses and decisions, to the effects of drugs on the brain or the origin of our pleasure. for food, music, among many others. Each chapter has a precise length, between eight hundred and fifteen hundred words, which allows for comfortable, accessible and quick reading at any time of the day, promoting learning and enjoyment anywhere, whether on public transport or at home. .
