The liver study nucleolus (nef) as an university outreach initiative

experience report

Abstract

This is a documentary study that aims to describe the historical trajectory of the Liver Study Nucleolus (Nucléolo de Estudo do Fígado - NEF) as part of the outreach initiatives of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FACS) of the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN). In order to achieve the objective, institutional documents were surveyed, read and interpreted. The study made it possible to apprehend the maturation and expansion of the NEF as a university outreach initiative; its contributions through actions, with the awakening to another conception of outreach action, precisely as a two-way path and with possibilities for implementation of articulation between theory and practice, as well as for the inseparability between teaching, research and outreach initiatives, thus firming the social role of the university. However, the execution of the NEF actions faces challenges. They are conceptual, financial, organizational, political, ethical and cultural challenges. Thus, the endeavor needs to be evaluated and re-signified for implementation of a popular concept of ''outreach" action and, consequently, of a university with citizen participation. This is the great challenge that must be faced, not only by the NEF/FACS, but by all UERN courses.