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Lesley De Cruz becomes new Brussels WATS ambassador and an inspiration for girls in STEM

Brussels, March 8, 2025 – On International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements and advocating for greater gender equality, the new WATS ambassador is announced: Lesley De Cruz. This inspiring professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and researcher at the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (RMI) is committed to encouraging girls and women to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). 

The WATS Award: Increasing Visibility for Women in STEM 

Since 2018, the Brussels-Capital Region and Innoviris have been presenting the biennial Women Award in Technology and Science (WATS). This award highlights Brussels-based women who not only excel in STEM but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps. The prize is awarded based on their potential as role models and their concrete plans to encourage girls and women to consider STEM studies or careers. 

Why Lesley De Cruz? 

Lesley De Cruz was selected by a jury of former laureates and young female STEM enthusiasts (aged 16-17) for her versatility as a scientist and her approachability as a role model. She also excels in her ability to communicate complex scientific topics in an accessible and engaging way. 

Her award-winning project introduces young people to artificial intelligence by guiding them to build a virtual city and examine its climate impact. This innovative approach makes scientific knowledge both relevant and tangible while addressing societal issues such as climate change. 

Making STEM Accessible for Everyone 

Lesley’s mission as a WATS ambassador is clear: “I want to show girls that STEM empowers you to make a positive impact on the world,” she says. “My message is especially aimed at girls who think, ‘Amazing, but that’s not for me.’ I want to inspire them to believe in themselves and show that anyone, regardless of background, can have a future in STEM.” 

With the accompanying €10,000 prize, Lesley plans to organize various activities in Brussels to actively guide and motivate girls. 

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Female Role Models 

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only the achievements of women worldwide but also the role models who make a difference. Thanks to Lesley De Cruz and her efforts, we are building a future where STEM is a place for everyone, regardless of gender. 

Lesley De Cruz © Greetje Van Buggenhout

 

Contact

Suzana Koelet
​skoelet@innoviris.brussels

 

 

 

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About Press - Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an internationally oriented university in Brussels, the heart of Europe. By providing excellent research and education on a human scale, VUB wants to make an active and committed contribution to a better society.

The World Needs You

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel assumes its scientific and social responsibility with love and decisiveness. That’s why VUB launched the platform De Wereld Heeft Je Nodig – The World Needs You, which brings together ideas, actions and projects based on six Ps. The first P stands for People, because that’s what it’s all about: giving people equal opportunities, prosperity, welfare, respect. Peace is about fighting injustice, big and small, in the world. Prosperity combats poverty and inequality. Planet stands for actions on biodiversity, climate, air quality, animal rights... With Partnership, VUB is looking for joint actions to make the world a better place. The sixth and last P is for Poincaré, the French philosopher Henri Poincaré, from whom VUB derives its motto that thinking should submit to nothing except the facts themselves. VUB is an ‘urban engaged university’, strongly anchored in Brussels and Europe and working according to the principles of free research.

www.vub.be/dewereldheeftjenodig

 


Contact

Pleinlaan 2 1050 Brussel

02 / 629.11.38

tineke.sonck@vub.be

www.vub.ac.be