The Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites you to the launch of the exhibition and campaign Women shaping science.
On 11 February 2026, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will open the exhibition Women shaping science: a powerful photographic showcase featuring portraits of female academics from VUB, captured by renowned Belgian photographer Lieve Blancquaert. The exhibition is part of a multi-layered campaign that aims to celebrate, connect and make visible the women shaping science today. 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.
Raising the visibility of women in politics, business, the media and academic institutions remains a key concern. At VUB, there has long been a commitment to spotlighting female academic role models—not just within the university, but also in wider public debate. With Women shaping science, VUB is turning that ambition into a tangible, visible and lasting campaign and call to action.
From 20 portraits to hundreds of stories
The campaign centres on 20 portraits of female researchers, captured by 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.
The campaign also explicitly highlights the role of women in leadership and decision-making—those who sit on governing boards, help steer the university’s direction, and shape the framework in which education and research take place.
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 attend. Together with the featured academics and photographer Lieve Blancquaert, we will officially open the exhibition and campaign on Wednesday 11 February at 4pm.
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.