On March 31, two VUB scientists will pitch their research during Science Pitch 2025, a competition organized by the DOCVILLE Documentary Film Festival. For the third year in a row, researchers have the opportunity to convince filmmakers to turn their groundbreaking research into a short scientific documentary. The selected films will premiere at DOCVILLE 2026. Through this initiative, the organizers aim to make science accessible to the general public.

Jette Ritz and Ravi Sharma are the two researchers who will defend the VUB colors at Science Pitch 2025. They will compete against scientists from the University of Antwerp, Ghent University, and KU Leuven.

  • When? Monday, March 31, 2025 - 18:00 to 21:00
  • Location: Cinema ZED Leuven (Andreas Vesaliusstraat 9C, 3000 Leuven)
  • Science communicator Hetty Helsmoortel will be the host for the event.
Want to see Jette and Ravi pitch live? Get your tickets for Science Pitch 2025
Jette Ritz

Jette Ritz

"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”
Want to study Pharmaceutical Sciences like Jette? Discover the program (in Dutch)

Ravi Sharma

  • affiliated with the department Chemical Engineering (CHIS)
  • conducts research on the invisible threat called PFAS:
    "PFAS pollution has tangible consequences for communities. Addressing it requires stricter regulations, increased research funding, and greater public awareness."
Portret Ravi Sharma

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."
Want to study Civil Engineering like Ravi? Discover the program
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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