Science Communication
Science is everywhere. At Odisee, we conduct practice-based research in technology, education, health, social work, and business. Through science communication, we make this knowledge visible and accessible. We build bridges between researchers and the public, and inspire young people to take their own steps into science. With projects and events, we bring science to everyone who is curious and looks at the world with wonder.
Discover our research up close
Our researchers are passionate about sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with people of all ages. That’s why they take part in numerous events throughout the year. Find out where you can go to discover the wide range of research happening at Odisee!
Science Festivals
Odisee brings science to life at free festivals such as Dag van de Wetenschap, Questival, and I Love Science. With interactive demos, hands-on experiments, and inspiring workshops, we make science accessible to absolutely everyone.
Café Odisee
During Café Odisee, experts engage in conversation with the public on current topics in a cosy café atmosphere. Everyone with a curious mind is welcome at these inspiring evenings in Sint-Niklaas.
STEM Activities
Odisee inspires young people with accessible STEM activities such as Odifiks, offering hands-on science and technology experiences. We also support initiatives like the Flemish STEM Olympiad and GelijkgeSTEMd+ to promote inclusion and talent development.
Wide range of projects
In addition to the larger projects and annual initiatives mentioned above, Odisee also organises and participates in smaller-scale science projects. We focus on the general public as well as school-aged youth and their teachers. Not everyone has the same opportunities to discover science. That’s why we place extra emphasis on reaching young people who face higher barriers. In this way, we make science accessible to everyone.
Odibike
Science on wheels! With a cargo bike full of STEM materials, Odisee visits schools and community centres to bring science activities to children who are otherwise difficult to reach.
Experiment Garden
The Odisee Experiment Garden introduces pupils to sustainable and healthy food in a playful way. Through workshops in the vegetable garden, they explore topics such as soil research, food waste, and seasonal eating.
Kingdom of the Curious
In the interactive theatre performance The Kingdom of the Curious, children learn to think critically and look at the world with wonder. Odisee and ERLNMYR bring philosophy of science to life in Brussels primary schools — with children taking centre stage.
In the spotlight
Researchers and students also share their expertise beyond the classroom and the lab. Through opinion pieces, competitions, and podcasts, they ensure their research reaches a wider audience. Discover a selection of their achievements here.
Filip Mennes wins Wetenschapsbattle 2025
Lecturer Filip Mennes impressed both the public and the children's jury at the Nerdland Festival with his citizen science project PLONS. With a backpack full of plastic and a homemade sampling device, he brought microplastics and environmental awareness to life — and went home with not one, but two trophies!
Chiara Pletinckx wins 2024 bachelor's award
Student Chiara Pletinckx won the Bachelor Prize for her research on how to better support multilingual families in making school and study choices. Her practice-oriented approach was praised by the jury and earned a place in the Flemish education landscape.
Three Laureates of the 2025 Science Communication Award
Researchers Eef Cornelissen (Education) and Inge Tency (Healthcare) receive an award for their book Big Questions from Small Children, which makes sensitive topics accessible for discussion with young children. Lucas Mergan (Science Communication Coordinator) is honoured for his diverse communication portfolio about the scientific process, including his podcast Pioneers of Science.
Laura Van den Broeck and Filip Van Langenhove discuss sustainability
Researchers Laura and Filip brought their climate research to the general public through Impact magazine. With EcoZoo, Laura uses philosophical dialogue cards to get young people truly thinking about sustainability. Filip’s To bio or not to bio debunks myths about bio-based insulation and brings clarity to a frequently murky construction practice.
Bart Craeye talks about concrete rot
Researcher Bart Craeye made concrete compelling in SciComm Clips. He warns about concrete degradation — a silent threat that can cause balconies, bridges, and buildings to collapse — and shows how a clever electric current can keep our infrastructure safe for decades.
Geert Callebaut launches balloons for science
Geert guided a class from Aalst all the way to the stratosphere. With support from ESA, the fifth-year pupils launched their own space mission: a probe that reached 30 km altitude. Their mission? To investigate whether it’s possible to 3D-print a base on the moon.