Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education
The study of mathematics is encouraged from the first cycle to secondary education by a national contest in mathematics (the Mathematics Portuguese Olympics) promoted by the Portuguese Mathematics Society. As far as science is concerned, different professional associations promote similar contests (Olympics) for different subject areas, namely biology, physics, and chemistry. These initiatives are aimed at the promotion of student interest toward these scientific areas, reducing the gap between secondary schools and universities, and promoting science education at the basic and secondary education levels. These initiatives are promoted in collaboration with higher education institutions and sponsored by the Professional Associations, the Ministry of Education and Science, and other not-for-profit foundations.