Now that the term is ending, what do you take from these four years, what assessment do you make? Both in terms of education/teaching and your political life.
A very positive assessment. I believe we have fulfilled the mandate entrusted to us, by fulfilling the programme in the areas for which I am responsible. And we have left education, sport and youth in a better situation than when we found them.
What has been left to do in education in Portugal?
Work in education is very complex and multifaceted, but necessarily unfinished. There are always issues to be completed. Not least because society is changing rapidly. But, as I said earlier, one of the most important aspects is to open up a future for schools, for youth and for sport, so that we can continue down the path. That was one of my main concerns.
What made you go into the scientific world? Were you curious about making new discoveries?
Because of my incessant desire to go further. I have always been fascinated by nature and the idea of adding knowledge to the world of knowledge. It is like being on the edge of a ravine, as this is the limit of what is known, and taking steps forward... But instead of falling, you create new ground, which is the new knowledge you create. Personally, science has given me skills that will accompany me for my entire life.
You got a degree in Biochemistry. You specialised in Molecular Biophysics. You devoted yourself to the study of neurodegenerative diseases. You have done research in the field of oncology. Science and research therefore have a hold on you. Do you intend to return to this scientific world?
Once a scientist, always a scientist. It really is true that you can take a scientist out of science, but you cannot take science out of a scientist. I don’t know exactly what will happen in the future, but I can say that the world of science is always present in my life and, above all else, all the skills and knowledge I have obtained in it.
You are from the north of Portugal, from Paredes de Coura. What are you pleased to say about your origins?
Much of what I am can be better understood by visiting that territory. Having lived in nearly ten different places in four different countries, Coura and perhaps Moledo are the only places I feel at home. You only have to whisper these names and I can feel the synaesthesia happening. If my life were a chair, I can easily think that three of the chair’s legs would be connected to these origins.
«I worship the countryside, but the concept of human hives, that cities are, fascinates me»
Do you prefer the city or the countryside?
I worship the countryside, but the concept of human hives, that cities are, fascinates me. The best would be to be able to alternate days in the countryside and in the city.
Do you write or read?
I love reading and would like more time to write.
Music or silence?
I’m a music lover. But what value would music have without silence?
Talk or let people talk?
I, who talk a lot, think that letting people talk is almost always more interesting.
A good dish or a good presentation?
If you’re talking about a good PowerPoint presentation, then there’s no doubt that a good dish is better (he laughs). Lately, I’ve been enjoying good fish.
Where do you see yourself in four years?
I see myself in so many different places. I have never made long-term plans, because I have almost always felt that I was too involved and obsessed with what I was doing, at any given time.
What would make you feel more fulfilled, personally or professionally?
Many and very different things. But they have had, have, and I think, will always have a common denominator: to really feel that I am contributing to the well-being, achievement, and improvement of others. This has always contributed to my well-being, my achievement and my improvement. That’s how it was in the research I was doing, which was focused on the early detection of tumours and assessing the efficacy of cancer treatments. And that’s how it is in my daily work in the interests of education, youth and sport. But it is good to feel that every time something comes to a close, there is always a new beginning, whereby I believe I will continue to do the same in future projects in which I may be involved.