The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is organizing WiseNight 2026, a free and interactive science event taking place at the Atomium on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26. This initiative, part of the European Researchers' Night, is a collaboration with ULB, BeWiSe, GoodPlanet, and the von Karman Institute, supported financially by the European Union.
For two days, visitors can experience science through experiments, workshops, demonstrations, and direct encounters with researchers. Topics will span from climate and artificial intelligence to space, mathematics, technology, and their everyday applications, showcasing the breadth of science and the diverse talents needed for new knowledge.
VUB views this connection between science and society as crucial to its mission. Research extends beyond laboratories, and WiseNight aims to bring scientists into direct contact with young people, families, and the general public, making scientific knowledge accessible and inspiring future scientists by showing who conducts research and what questions drive them.
Particular emphasis is placed on female researchers and diversity in STEM fields. By featuring women scientists with varied backgrounds, WiseNight seeks to broaden perceptions of who a scientist can be. The Ilya Prigogine sphere at the Atomium will be temporarily renamed the 'Marie Skłodowska-Curie sphere' in honor of the renowned scientist, highlighting women's visibility in science. The event also marks the 30th anniversary of the European 'Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions' (MSCA) program.
Participating VUB researchers include Lesley De Cruz, a professor and researcher at the Royal Belgian Meteorological Institute (IRM), using AI for meteorology and climate. Hannelore Van Bavel, a social anthropologist, will discuss the perception of female bodies. MSCA fellow Yuxin Pu will cover urban sustainability. Kateryna Osadcha will share expertise on AI and education, while fellow MSCA researcher Nanoek Bos will explore the interplay between science, media, and society. Other researchers like Katrien Dierickx (bioarchaeology) and Mishka Beutels (palliative care) will also be present.
On Friday, September 25, approximately 400 students from Brussels primary and secondary schools will engage in workshops and demonstrations, fostering direct interaction with researchers and reinforcing the idea that research is accessible, driven by curiosity and creativity.
