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Description
As a science communication project, the initiative aims to increase scientific literacy in the population regarding mitochondria and mitochondrial diseases.
The Promotor and Partner propose the creation of an illustrated book in Portuguese/English and Norwegian/English, for the populations of both countries with the possibility of extending the work to a broader international audience.
This bilateral initiative will actively contribute to engage society in an important scientific topic to promote scientific diplomacy, to create public opinion and to facilitate scientific collaboration. It is
Summary of the results
Mit.OnOff is a science communication project, that aimed to increase awareness of mitochondrial diseases – a group of diseases caused by problems in the production of energy by our cells, that is when there are issues with the mitochondria.
This initiative developed a series of events in person and in social media, with the central element being the now published book “The Malfunctions of the Energy Factory”, by Manuela Grazina, with principal editor Laurence Bindoff, and with illustrations by Inês Prazeres. This book, is available in 2 bilingual versions: Portuguese/English and Norwegian/English. So far 10,000 copies of the book have been distributed and many more are on their way to Portuguese libraries and Portuguese Metabolic disease Reference Centers, as well as to the Centers and Clubs CiênciaViva. In NO, copies are being distributed by Frambu, a national patient organization. .
In this way, this project:
i) Increased science and health literacy.
ii) Promoted awareness and increased the support/fundraising to research of mitochondrial cytopathies.
iii) Contributed to support political decisions on this matter and promoted a positive impact on healthcare systems.
iv) Involved healthcare professionals, which will impact the ability to diagnose and the follow-up of these patients.
v) Contributed to the inclusivity and representation of people with rare disease in the media.