VUB research sparkles at Brussels Science Festival

Science Day returns to Muntpunt

24/11/2023

On Sunday 26 November, Flanders and Brussels once again celebrate Science Day. Almost 130 labs, universities, research institutes, museums, STEM academies and colleges will bring accessible science to the public. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will also be amazing visitors. Alongside other Brussels institutions, VUB is organising more than 45 exciting activities at the Brussels Science Festival in Muntpunt.

The Brussels Science Festival is known for its dynamic mix of hands-on activities, interactive workshops, lectures, experiments and city walks. The free festival offers a unique opportunity for the people of Brussels to explore and understand the world of science. There is something for everyone: for kids under 12 there’s a science trail, while adults can spend 20 minutes immersed in subjects like coral reefs, coaching and the importance of trees in cities and ecosystems.

As is traditional, VUB will be there, with a number of stands inviting visitors to get to know its wide range of scientific activities. They can discover how light technology can make self-driving cars safer, and what happens if you turn parking lots into parks. Young people can learn to programme in a microbit workshop, try out life as a city planner, paint with light or build proteins in virtual reality.

“Science is a public good,” says VUB rector Jan Danckaert. “Science must be open, because through sharing data and research findings, we achieve better solutions more quickly. The science festival arouses curiosity about science and research among the public and makes research more accessible. As a university, we can only celebrate that.”

Flemish Innovation minister Jo Brouns is enthusiastic about the festival.

“Science is everywhere. Not hidden away in a dusty lab or buried under a stack of books. On the contrary. Our research institutes, museums, STEM academies and universities are showing the public, in an accessible way, what they can offer. Science lives!”

The day ends with mathematical stand-up comedy and a musical performance where the deep tones of a classical cello merge with contemporary electronic sounds.