Science

Photographs of Cardinal Jacques de Vitry, who died in 1240!

29 November 2018

Researchers have digitally reconstructed the face of Jacques de Vitry, from his DNA. The influential cardinal died in 1240, and no paintings or prints of him have survived.

Plans for a new Belgian research vessel

19 November 2018

It is time to replace Belgica, the research vessel from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (KBIN-IRNSB).

Will we be able to store data in powder form thanks to UGent researchers?

14 November 2018

Researchers from Ghent University (UGent) have succeeded in saving data in a brand new form: powder.

Belgian solar car wins in Chile

06 November 2018

The Punch Powertrain Solar Team from the KU Leuven has won the Carrera Solar Atacama in Chile. This is the most extreme competition for solar cars.

Belgian discovers new bird species in Indonesia

31 October 2018

Philippe Verbelen, an ornithologist for Greenpeace Belgium, has discovered a new species of leaf warbler on the Indonesian island of Rote. This is a rare event.

Science is in our DNA

A true Belgian tradition, scientific and technical research has always been promoted throughout the country, with many researchers involved in a wide range of international scientific programmes. Medicine, chemistry, statistics and astronomy can be counted among Belgium's strengths, fields where Belgian researchers have received prestigious scientific awards.

Today, Belgian proficiency can be seen in many other fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and even vaccinations. The universities are the primary pool for this Belgian scientific expertise and, through the creation of spin-offs, have taken the important step of enhancing invaluable skills. The treatment of cancer by proton therapy is probably one of the best economic and scientific successes worldwide.

Belgium is also actively involved in space research, research in the North Sea and climate research in Antarctica with the Princess Elisabeth station. Currently, ambitious research projects focused on sustainable development are also being funded.

To date, many Belgian scientists have been received into prestigious universities abroad; just like Belgium itself welcomes various foreign students and researchers attracted by the high scientific level of its universities together with the quality of life in Belgium.