This summer, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will have a prominent presence at Theater Aan Zee (TAZ) in Ostend. With a premiere, an award ceremony and two public events, the VUB is demonstrating how science can touch, inspire and encourage dialogue among people even outside the laboratory. The highlight is the premiere of *Aha*, the first production to emerge from the Caroline Pauwels Grant for Wonder. During the festival, the VUB will also award this development grant for the second time to a new duo comprising a scientist and a performing artist. The university is also taking part in two editions of ‘Een Zee aan Wetenschap’, in which VUB researchers, together with colleagues and artists, will engage with the public in discussions about the future of our seas.
Through its presence at Theater Aan Zee, the VUB underlines its conviction that science not only produces knowledge, but is also part of the social and cultural debate.
Jan Danckaert, Rector of the VUB: “Caroline Pauwels believed that science only truly takes on meaning when it enters into dialogue with society. Theater Aan Zee is the ideal venue for this: a festival where art, curiosity and social reflection come together. Through our presence, we want to invite people not only to understand science, but also to experience it.”
First Caroline Pauwels Grant leads to the premiere of ‘Aha’
On 3 August,Aha will premiere at Theater Aan Zee . It is the first production to be realised thanks to the Caroline Pauwels Grant for Wonder, an initiative of the VUB, Theater Aan Zee, KVS and deAuteurs. Through this grant, the partners aim to keep the legacy of former VUB rector Caroline Pauwels alive. They are giving researchers and artists the time and space to collaborate on developing new stories at the intersection of science, art and society. Curiosity, wonder and the courage to look beyond disciplinary boundaries form the starting point for this.
The first recipients are theatre maker Martha Balthazar and climate scientist Leon Adriaensen. Their performance *Aha* is a galactic kitchen-table dialogue about the value and the madness of the word ‘why’. Drawing on personal conversations, scientific insights and artistic imagination, the performance explores themes such as truth, trust, doubt and wonder.
Leon Adriaensen and Martha Balthazar
Leon Adriaensen: “Science can move people just as deeply as a novel or a play. Those moments when you suddenly understand something and learn to see the world in a new light are moments of pure wonder. Together, we wanted to make that experience tangible for a wide audience.”
Martha Balthazar: “Art and science both begin with curiosity. They challenge assumptions and show that reality is often more complex – and more beautiful – than we think. With Aha, we want to invite people to engage with science once again.”
Following the premiere, Ahawill go on tour, visiting venues including KVS Brussels, GUM Ghent, cultural centres and academic institutions.
Second Caroline Pauwels Grant
On 8 August, the Caroline Pauwels Grant will enter a new chapter, as the VUB, Theater Aan Zee, KVS and deAuteurs will announce which duo – comprising a scientist and a performing artist – will receive the second Caroline Pauwels Grant for Wonder. They too will be given the time and support to develop an artistic project together in which science and art reinforce one another.
The sea as a laboratory and storyteller
In addition to the Caroline Pauwels Fellowship, the VUB is also bringing its scientific expertise to the festival programme through various sessions of ‘A Sea of Science’.
On 6 August, environmental psychologist Marine Severin (VLIZ) will explore the question, "What does the sea sound like when we truly listen?" This unique encounter between science, technology and art shows how researchers use sound to better understand the hidden life beneath the water's surface.
On 7 August, scientist and professor of ecology Tom Vanderstocken (VUB) will explore the interactions between biodiversity, climate change and coastal areas. The focus will be on how species, coastlines and marine systems are responding to a changing climate.
And at the VUB hub in Ostend,‘ ’ Jöklaminni bringstogether Belgian, Dutch and Icelandic artists in an exhibition on climate change.
Through these activities, the VUB aims to demonstrate that scientific research not only provides answers, but also raises new questions, thereby fuelling the dialogue with society.
Premiere of Aha at #TAZ2026
Aha will premiere at Theater aan Zee on 3 August and will run there until 8 August. The production will then go on tour, with stops including KVS in Brussels and GUM in Ghent. The production was made possible in part thanks to the Caroline Pauwels Grant for Wonder, an initiative of deAuteurs, TAZ, VUB and KVS.
Language: Dutch
Martha Balthazar: Concept, text and direction
Leon Adriaensen: Concept and text
Carine Van Bruggen: Performance and text
Barbara T’Jonck: Performance
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme, a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge, 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.
