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The Royal Observatory of Belgium

The Royal Observatory of Belgium is an internationally renowned research institute with recognised expertise in the study of planet Earth and other nearby or remote objects in the Universe. Astronomy, astrophysics, planetology, geophysics, seismology, gravimetry, spatial geodesy and solar physics constitute the main research fields of the Obsercomprising the Observatory.vatory.
As a public institute, the Royal Observatory of Belgium also provides scientific services to the scientific community, to the public, to the government and to the whole society. Such services include time service, management of the Belgian seismic network, integration in international reference systems of the Belgian GNSS stations (Global Navigation Satellite Systems such as GPS and Galileo), gravimetric measures, continuous monitoring of the solar activity, space weather forecasts and diffusion of information related to astronomical phenomena.
The Royal Observatory of Belgium also manages the Planetarium at the Heysel site in Brussels, which is also the public showcase of the 3 Federal Scientific Institutes of the Space Pole, of which the Observatory is a part.
The Royal Observatory of Belgium is the host institute of Soapbox Science Brussels and supports Soapbox Science Brussels for all its activities.
The Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy

The Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) is a Belgian federal scientific research institute. Its main tasks are research and public service in space aeronomy, which is the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere of the Earth and other solar system bodies, and of outer space. It studies the impact of the Sun, nature and mankind on atmospheric changes.
This Belgian knowledge centre has the required competences to elaborate all elements of a space mission to perform a complete study of an aeronomic problem: the formulation of research objectives, the consequent instrument and space mission design, the derivation of satellite data products, their validation and geophysical exploitation, including modelling and service development. All its activities have one goal in common: the broadening of our knowledge of the atmospheres of celestial bodies. Improved knowledge is indispensable to better inform the citizen and policymakers and to find answers to the societal challenges concerning the natural environment we live in.
Discover BIRA-IASB at https://www.aeronomie.be/ or https://youtu.be/Z3dnJRWtPhY
Marc Vandenbrande – video maker for scientists

Marc Vandenbrande is an inspired and creative video maker with a scientific background (Master of Engineering), but he is also an entrepreneur with an affinity for consulting and coaching. So, exclusively for scientists? Not necessarily.
Why do people choose Marc Vandenbrande?
- (1) He likes to think along with you and your company, and how you can best deploy video.
- (2) Making people shine in front of the camera, that is his specialty. He helps you come across as natural and authentic, and thinks along with you about the wording to assure that it is correct, clear and powerful.
- (3) “Nice work: clear, sometimes with a bit of humour and with the right emotion” or “Because he sets the bar high”.
Do you need video, but don’t know how to start? Contact Marc Vandenbrande for an obligation-free conversation. See: marcvandenbrande.com
Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB)

Basic research in life sciences is VIB’s raison d’être. VIB is an independent research institute where some 1,500 top scientists from Belgium and abroad conduct pioneering basic research. As such, they are pushing the boundaries of what we know about molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms such as human beings, animals, plants and microorganisms. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Hasselt University – and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute. VIB’s technology transfer activities translate research results into concrete benefits for society such as new diagnostics and therapies and agricultural innovations. These applications are often developed by young start-ups from VIB or through collaborations with other companies. This also leads to additional employment and bridges the gap between scientific research and entrepreneurship. VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information. More info can be found on www.vib.be or on @VIBLifesciences.

70 years of experience in nuclear science and technology
SCK CEN is one of Belgium’s largest research centres. It has more than 900 employees who devote themselves every day to developing peaceful applications of nuclear energy. The research activities of SCK CEN relate to three main themes: the safety of nuclear facilities, the development of nuclear medicine and protecting the population and the environment against ionising radiation. SCK CEN is recognised worldwide and shares its knowledge through numerous publications and training courses in order to keep up this exceptional pool of talent.
More info: www.sckcen.be

The Europlanet Benelux Hub aims to promote planetary sciences at a regional level considering its infrastructures, community, industry and research opportunities. It is part of the Europlanet Society, which promotes the advancement of European planetary science and related fields for the benefit of the community.

University of Liège is one of Belgium’s leading universities, founded in 1817. ULiège welcomes 25,400 students, 23% of whom are of international origin (122 nationalities). ULiège is the public university of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. It includes 11 Faculties representing the Humanities, Health Sciences, Sciences and Technology. With 40 bachelor’s degrees and 207 master’s degrees, its range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses is among the most diversified in Belgium. ULiège is located in 3 cities in Wallonia: Liège, Gembloux and Arlon. Its courses have several international quality labels (EQUIS, AACSB, EUR-ACE, Conférence des Grandes Ecoles). ULiège collaborates with more than 1,000 teaching and research institutions throughout the world. It boosts its research centres in fields such as biotechnologies, life and medical sciences (human and veterinary), agronomy, space and engineering sciences, environment, etc., by developing partnerships with public authorities and companies. More than 100 spin-off companies created by ULiège are in activity. ULiège is a major employer in Wallonia: more than 5,700 employees, including 640 academic staff and 2,900 people involved in teaching and research activities. Together with the University Hospital (CHU) of Liège, this represents 12,000 direct jobs spread over the provinces of Liège, Namur and Luxembourg.
ULiège motto: SCIENTIA OPTIMVM
www.uliege.be / #ULiège / @UniversiteLiege

The Federal Science Policy is one of the main actors of scientific research in Belgium. It brings together many prestigious research programs and manages ten federal scientific institutes.
The 10 Federal Scientific Institutes managed by BELSPO are full of assets. They offer not only exceptional environment and research materials for scientists but also world-class artistic and historical collections.
Thanks to its research programs, its federal scientific institutes and with 2300 employees, BELSPO brings together a wide range of expertise in various fields such as astronomy, astrophysics, meteorology, history, art history, paleontology, meteorology, mineralogy, musicology, seismology, gravimetry, climatology, anthropology, earth sciences, archivistics, conservation, restoration, information sciences, codicology, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, cartography, molecular biology…
Science and culture are in BELSPO interconnected to develop a more sustainable and harmonious society. So, contributes BELSPO to the knowledge of the environment in order to improve the well-being of society and ensure its sustainable development.
Universiteit Hasselt (UHasselt)

Hasselt University’s approach to education is unique. They encourage students to look beyond books and classrooms. They equip them with knowledge and skills. Action and interaction. Thinking and doing. Intensive guidance. That is what being a student at UHasselt is all about. Their alumni are critical, engaged, agile and versatile professionals.
Hasselt University: Innovative and engaged
Civic university
UHasselt is more than its seven faculties, four research institutes, three research centres, 6,500 students and 1,400 researchers and staff. As civic university UHasselt is strongly committed to the Region and the world. It wants to make our society smarter, more agile and better. Through education, research and technology transfer.
Innovation
Throughout its history, innovation has been – and still is – a constant in everything the University does. When it comes to nurturing talent, pushing scientific boundaries and stimulating innovation, they believe in doing things differently. In a constant changing world, they have to. That is what makes UHasselt the university of today.
Education
Discover UHasselt at https://www.uhasselt.be/ or watch Hasselt University: Facts & Figures 2021