Bento de Jesus Caraça is a Portuguese leading intellectual of the 20th century and his legacy is probably unknown to many young people. The Association Bento de Jesus Caraça (ABJC) aims to disseminate the work developed by this mathematician and to honour his legacy. “We decided to create this association because we felt that it was very important to spread the ideas and the work of professor Bento Jesus Caraça”, explains António Pascoal, Técnico professor, researcher at Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR-Lisbon) and Board members of ABJC. “We want to show young people the important role played by this man, as a mathematician, humanist and great fighter”, says the ISR researcher.

Pedagogue and passionate about art, Bento de Jesus Caraça founded “Biblioteca Cosmos” in 1941, undoubtedly one of the finest and most significant cultural achievements of this century, through which he contributed for the “creation of a free and scientific mentality among the Portuguese citizens”. “Deep down, he wanted to promote the idea that each individual should be aware of the cosmos and, at the same time, be aware of his/her essence in this world”, says professor António Pascoal.

The members of ABJC want “to show young people the great works of Bento de Jesus Caraça, namely “Biblioteca Cosmos”, which is extraordinary”, stresses professor António Pascoal. The ABJC will organise the colloquium “Bento de Jesus Caraça e o Projeto Cosmos: sua atualidade ontem e hoje” on 18th November, in the National Museum of Natural History and Science.

The ABJC will launch a competition “that will encourage young people to make documentaries and research work about Bento de Jesus Caraça”, shares the Técnico professor. “We want to attract more young people to ABJC because we consider that it is important to revitalize Portuguese society”, added professor António Pascoal.