On Tuesday morning 5 May 2026, the B-PHOT team at VUB welcomed King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to the VUB Photonics Campus in Pajottegem. During the visit, Their Majesties were introduced to the group’s research and production facilities, where internationally recognised work in photonics and quantum technology is helping to shape the future of European science.
The royal couple were received by Prof Hugo Thienpont, research director of B-PHOT, alongside Jan Spooren, governor of Flemish Brabant, and Kris Poelaert, mayor of Pajottegem. They were later welcomed by Prof Jan Danckaert, rector of VUB, and Karsten De Clerck, chair of the university’s board.
The visit opened with a presentation on three key themes: the work of the B-PHOT research group, its role in the international Einstein Telescope project, and the activities of the STEAM Academy, where children and young people explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics through hands-on workshops.
Tour of the photonics facilities
Following the presentation, Prof Hugo Thienpont guided the King and Queen through the campus’s research and production infrastructure. At several stages of the tour, Prof Michael Vervaeke and Dr Dries Rosseel explained the technologies and manufacturing processes behind the group’s work.
B-PHOT plays a prominent role in the international Einstein Telescope project, a planned underground European observatory designed to detect gravitational waves. The research group is contributing to ultra-precise mirror polishing and metrology, the development of quantum squeezers to reduce quantum noise, and innovative freeform optics concepts for more efficient beam conditioning within the telescope infrastructure.
Building rockets at the STEAM Academy
The royal couple then visited the neighbouring STEAM Academy, where they were welcomed by Dr Wendy Van Moer. Together with 18 pupils from the final year of primary school at De Parel, students demonstrated how workshops for children are designed and delivered.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde took an active part in the activities. They built a miniature rocket using Lego and paper before launching it themselves at the push of a button. As a farewell gift, Queen Mathilde received a 3D-printed bouquet created by the STEAM Academy.
The visit highlighted the growing scientific and social significance of B-PHOT as a research group working at the intersection of advanced photonics, large-scale European research infrastructure and science education for the next generation.
The full report of the royal visit to the VUB Photonics Campus in Pajottegem can be viewed via Ring TV.
“It was a fantastic experience. I noticed a strong interest in technology from the King, particularly in space exploration. He was also keenly interested in how universities and companies can work together in this field. The Queen was especially interested in how we translate technology and science into everyday education through our STEAM Academy.”
