The Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites you to the exhibition Women shaping science.
From 11 February 2026 until 6 March 2026, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will present the exhibition Women Shaping Science: a powerful photographic showcase featuring portraits of female academics from VUB, captured by the renowned Belgian photographer Lieve Blancquaert. The VUB is launching this initiative to mark both the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February) and International Women’s Day (8 March).
In a society where public discourse often still tends to favour male power and voices, VUB wants this campaign to offer a deliberate counterpoint. Women shaping science acknowledges that reality but refuses to be defined by it—it highlights the many women who are already helping to shape science, policy and the future.
From 20 portraits to hundreds of stories
The expo shows 20 portraits of female researchers, captured by Belgian renowned photographer Lieve Blancquaert. These images showcase women who are conducting research, excelling in their fields, taking on leadership roles, and sharing their expertise with society. At the same time, they act as a window into a much broader reality: hundreds of women who are shaping science and the world every day at VUB—whether in labs, research centres, lecture halls, policy rooms, governing bodies or public forums.
Support the campaign
Everyone who, like the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, wants to recognise and celebrate the importance of female academic role models is warmly invited to the exhibition.
Opening hours
For visitors: the expo is open every weekday from 8:30 to 16:00
For VUB staff: the expo is open every weekday from 7:00 to 20:00
Joining us for the opening of the exhibition? Register here.
The World Needs You
The She is Science exhibition is part of VUB’s public programme—a series of initiatives aimed at those who believe the world can be different, and who see scientific insight, critical thinking and open dialogue as the first steps towards making a meaningful impact on their environment and the world at large.
As an Urban Engaged University, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel strives to be a driving force for change. Through our academic teaching and innovative research, we contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and play our part in shaping the future.