VUB makes research into light technology accessible
Young and old invited to discover how light can contribute to solving global challenges
On 15, 16 and 17 March, the VUB Photonics Innovation Center in Gooik is opening up to the public as part of the Flanders Technology & Innovation (FTI) Festival, which runs from 15-22 March. As the opening act of the Brussels section of the festival, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has created a programme of exciting and interactive activities relating to technology and innovation. Researchers will show visitors how photonics, also known as light technology, affects society, with a wide range of experiments planned for children and young people.
Photonics – the intersection of optics (the study of light) and electronics (the study of electric currents) – is a trans-disciplinary field that develops innovative methods to create, detect and manipulate light. The objective is to contribute to solutions to current and future global challenges in various domains including mobility, food, space travel, industry 4.0, information and communication technology, smart cities and biomedicine.
B-PHOT Brussels Photonics, a VUB research group, is an international team of 70 highly trained researchers and technology experts based at the Photonics Campus in Gooik, led by VUB professor and vice-rector for Innovation and Valorisation Hugo Thienpont.
“In terms of sustainability, B-PHOT has expertise in developing advanced optics for solar panels, distributed optical detection for monitoring offshore wind park infrastructure, and detecting pollution or plastic particles in water. These projects result in innovations that contribute to a cleaner environment,” says Hugo Thienpont. “B-PHOT also plays a role in the mobility sector, such as with the lidar – light detection and ranging of laser imaging – system. This uses laser beams to measure the distance to objects or surfaces and is used by autonomous vehicles.”
On the Public Days on 16 and 17 March, B-PHOT researchers will lead visitors around the high-tech labs of the Photonics Campus. Visitors will see up close how photonics affects society. On Friday, the group is hosting businesses and industry representatives, who can explore the impact of photonics on their products or services.
There will also be a wide range of STEAM experiments for young visitors, to introduce them to photonics, science and engineering. These are arranged by the VUB STEAM Academy, another initiative by B-PHOT. The DataBuzz initiative will allow young people to explore the world of AI and cybersecurity.
Tours are already fully booked, but those without a place can register on the waiting list. Children and young people who only wish to take part in the experiments do not need to register for the tour.
Practical info
15-17 March VUB Photonics Innovation Center Vollezelestraat 48, 1755 Gooik
About VUB
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an internationally oriented university in Brussels, the heart of Europe. By delivering high-quality research and tailored education, VUB aims to make an active and engaged contribution to a better society.
About FTI
FTI stands for Flanders Technology & Innovation. It's a new, compelling societal project through which the Flemish government aims to equip our region for the future. FTI aims to connect people and knowledge to create innovations that sustainably strengthen our competitiveness and societal well-being. FTI is developing a path full of initiatives to showcase technology & innovation in Flanders, promote STEM education, and help citizens find jobs in various policy domains.
FTI establishes concrete, targeted projects to address tomorrow's challenges today, such as the very first Open Technology & Innovation Day. FTI is a collaboration between the Flemish Government and the private sector. Six official partners support the project: Hangar K, Wintercircus, Scale-ups.eu, Leuven Mindgate, VITO, and VUB.
More info: fti.events
