Practical
Monday, 31 March, 2025
- 18:00 until 21:00
Cinema ZED Leuven
Andreas Vesaliusstraat 9C
3000 Leuven
Andreas Vesaliusstraat 9C
3000 Leuven
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites you to cheer on VUB scientists at Science Pitch 2025!
For the third year in a row, the DOCVILLE Documentary Film Festival is running a programme that connects scientists with filmmakers, aiming to create a creative, author-driven documentary with a scientific theme by the 2026 festival edition.
VUB scientists are taking on the challenge, competing against researchers from the University of Antwerp, Ghent University, and KU Leuven. It promises to be a unique event, with science communicator Hetty Helsmoortel guiding you through the various pitches.
VUB PARTICIPANTS
Jette Ritz about medication in space
"Fields like biology, toxicology, and medicine are critical for ensuring human health and safety in space."
"When you get carsick, you might take a pill to feel better. Simple enough, right? But what if that pill didn’t work as expected—or worse, became harmful? Thankfully, a car ride doesn’t change how your body functions. Space is different, though. In space, there’s no gravity like we have on Earth, and there’s less protection from harmful radiation. Space conditions pose unique physical and psychological challenges. These conditions can cause your body to change, and that might affect how medication works. Simulating these conditions on Earth helps researchers uncover the effects and develop solutions for long-term space travel."
"For a medication to work properly, it needs to be absorbed, distributed, broken down (metabolized), and eventually removed from the body. My research focuses on how medication is broken down and transformed in space, a process mainly happening in the liver."
“Space research is more than building rockets — it’s about preparing humans for the challenges of living beyond Earth”
Farmaceutical Sciences / Research group In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD)
Ravi Sharma about the invisible threat called PFAS
"PFAS pollution has tangible consequences for communities. Addressing it requires stricter regulations, increased research funding, and greater public awareness."
"If you live in Belgium—especially in Brussels or Flanders—you’ve probably heard of PFAS. You may have read about them in the news, or you might just know them as harmful chemicals. But what exactly makes them so concerning? Our documentary, Invisible Threats, will bridge this knowledge gap, combining storytelling and expert insights to explore the science behind PFAS pollution, its dangers, and the cutting-edge research, which is being pursued at VUB and aiming to combat it."
"At VUB, researchers at the CHIS department are at the forefront of tackling PFAS pollution. Their innovative approach utilizes advanced materials like ZIF-8, which coated on copper sheets is capable of removing up to 98% of PFAS from contaminated water. This breakthrough offers a promising solution to one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges."
"Clean water is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Let’s work together to ensure a healthier, safer future."
Chemical Engineer / Department Chemical Engineering (CHIS) / STEPchem-project
Do you breath science and technology?
Come and study at VUB!
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme: a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge sharing, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
As an Urban Engaged University, VUB aims to be a driver of change in the world. With our academic edcuational programmes and innovative research, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to making a difference locally and globally.
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