Today there is a chronic shortage of science graduates to deal with the future challenges we are facing. There is a high demand for more environmentally friendly energy, safer traffic and cities, faster detection of life-threatening diseases and improved quality of life.

This provides an enormous opportunity to encourage young people to study STEM subjects and to guide them to socially relevant jobs based on fascinating technology. The four components of STEM -Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics- are all individually very important. But the strength of STEM is the cooperation on common ground where these components meet and are interlinked, and how they interact with social and other sciences.

The STEM platform drew up a charter to increase the attractiveness of these courses and professions and to enhance their coherence and interdependence through a comprehensive cooperation between those involved.

VUB, B-PHOT Brussels Photonics and EYEST signed the STEM charter and are committed to investing in a range of activities that strengthen the coherence of the STEM fields. As STEM ambassadors, EYEST and B-PHOT Brussels Photonics offer educational kits such as the Photonics Explorer to excite and educate youngsters about the fascinating world of photonics and other science events for everyone that we hope will make photonics a household term. From now on all these activities will be announced as B-PHOTONICS activities.

If your company or institute, would like to keep up with our activities, opportunities, events, and news, please contact Tine De Pauw or Nathalie Debaes.