About

Discover WiseNight

WiseNight is a fun and inclusive event that aims to bring science and scientists in contact with the public interactively. We aim to show that science is about passion, teamwork and for anyone with an insatiable curiosity to discover and change the world.

WiseNight is part of the European Researchers’ Night, taking place everywhere in Europe simultaneously. Join us on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026 to marvel at the universe, explore the depths of water and oceans research, unearth the wonders of our lands and forests, and discover what being a scientist is all about.

We offer a variety of free activities, including workshops for children and youth, movie projections in the Planetarium dome, interactions with researchers, debates and a splendid photo exhibition displaying inspiring scientists of today.

Partners

WiseNight is an initiative of 7 organisations involved in research, science outreach and gender equality in scientific careers in Belgium.

Together, we aim for a society where science contribution to our planet’s well-being is valued by citizens and where researchers of all genders and backgrounds inspire the young to embrace scientific careers.

BeWiSe

The coordinator BeWiSe (Belgian Women in Science) is a non-profit organisation established in 2009 to support the position of women in science, both in public and private sectors and to improve communication among women in the Belgian and European scientific communities. It counts over 300 members and is based in Brussels. www.bewise.be.

Jeunesses Scientifiques de Belgique

The mission of Jeunesses Scientifiques en Belgique, NPO, is to awaken the interest of young people in science, with the aim of helping to make them responsible citizens and capable of understanding the world in which they are surrounded. To this end, they organize training courses, internships, camps, holiday plains, weekly workshops, change of scenery classes, intended for young people who want to have fun doing science or simply do science themselves. In that way, young people can discover the world using the scientific process and discover the scientific process by observing the world. www.jsb.be.

GoodPlanet

For over 20 years, GoodPlanet has been an NGO that inspires and encourages all generations to live sustainably. For a healthy planet, for everyone, for today and tomorrow, for a GoodPlanet. Through their projects, campaigns and animations, they spread knowledge and plant seeds of change. GoodPlanet stimulates, concretises and realises ideas that make sustainable development real and tangible. All this while always maintaining a positive and hopeful attitude. Based on this conviction, they develop activities and services for the three target groups: young people, the general public and companies. https://www.goodplanet.be/nl/.

VUB

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is an Urban Engaged University in the heart of Europe. Through high-quality research, education and societal engagement, VUB contributes to a better and more sustainable society.

VUB is a leader in science communication and research outreach. Its Research Outreach & Communication team connects research with society through public events, media, workshops and citizen science. The team also coordinates the VUB Children’s University, where children discover science through playful, hands-on activities led by researchers. https://www.vub.be/en & https://vubkinderuniversiteit.be/

Atomium

The Atomium was built as the showpiece of Expo 58 and has since become an international symbol of Brussels and Belgium. Following an extensive renovation between 2004 and 2006, it now welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year. As well as being one of the most popular tourist attractions in the European capital, the Atomium is also a centre for art, culture and discovery. This iconic meeting place provides an inspiring setting where science, imagination and public engagement come together. https://atomium.be

ULB

The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) enjoys international recognition for the excellence of its teaching and research activities. With nearly 40,000 students and around 2,000 doctoral researchers, the university conducts cutting-edge research across a wide range of fields and actively participates in major European research funding programmes. Committed to the values of academic freedom and openness, ULB also works to make scientific knowledge accessible to the general public through science communication initiatives, public engagement events, and activities that foster dialogue between science and society. https://www.ulb.be/en

BOS+

BOS+ Vlaanderen vzw is an organization that is committed to more and better forests in Flanders and in the world, with a strong focus on education. They develop workshops, teaching materials, trajectories and guidance during actions for teachers, (grand)parents, young people and youth workers. Sustainability and the link with trees and forests are always central in this material. Thanks to skilled communication staff and a strong relationship with the Forest & Nature Lab (UGent), they make research about forests and forest management accessible to the general public. https://www.bosplus.be/en/

VKI

The VKI (von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics) is a non-profit international educational and scientific organisation, hosting three departments (aeronautics and aerospace, environmental and applied fluid dynamics, and turbomachinery & propulsion). It provides post-graduate education in fluid dynamics and encourages “training in research through research”. The von Karman Institute undertakes and promotes research in the field of fluid dynamics. Extensive research on experimental, computational and theoretical aspects of gas and liquid flows is carried out at the VKI under the direction of the faculty and research engineers, sponsored mainly by governmental and international agencies as well as industries. https://www.vki.ac.be/