On the 2nd of June, APECS Belgium is organizing its first annual networking event where we hope to reunite all Belgians or Belgium-based scientists, explorers, policy makers, artists, curators, and also curious minds, interested in the polar regions!
The theme for this year is the “New Frontiers of Belgian Polar Science” for which we have a wonderful panel of three speakers who will talk about how they see the future of science communication.
After a Q&A session with our speakers, everyone will be free to have a drink, continue the discussion, visit the upstairs art exhibit, until we end at 8 pm.
For this event, we have partnered up with Talk CEC whose goal is to communicate their three fundamental values (Culture, Humanism and the Environment) via art and culture. This year’s theme is “Seas & Oceans” (you can see some snapshots of the art on their Instagram page) and APECS Belgium has partnered with the Wallstreet Colors collective for one of the street art pieces upstairs!
📍 Location of the event: Talk CEC Gallery (143 chaussée de Wavre, 1050 Ixelles, Brussels)
📆 Time: 2nd of June, 5-8 pm (talks start at 5 pm sharp!)
>>> Registration link here <<<
Mieke Sterken
The world is changing rapidly and as polar scientists we are more than aware of the tipping points and feedback mechanisms that play a pivotal role in global climate regulation and environmental change. We consider it our duty to investigate these mechanisms, but, as privileged witnesses, also to spread our knowledge to the wider public as to raise awareness and increase polar and climate literacy. Since the last International Polar Year (IPY 2007-2008) young polar researchers from all over the world have organised themselves into networks of both peer-support and polar science outreach efforts, growing ever more into professional structures within a context of rapid technological and contextual change.
As a science communicator and first chair of APECS-Belgium back in 2007-2008, I will shortly present and elaborate on the evolution, role and form of polar science communication, against a background of societal and technological change, both within a Belgian and international context.
Alexandre Buslain
I've always been fascinated by the power of content. Growing up surrounded by top action sports athletes, I quickly became involved in this sector. As a video maker but also an engineer, I have at heart to put my skills at the service of science and adventure, and today, combining both. This is how I entered into the fascinating world of polar science, and this is how the Nanok Expedition adventure began for me.
World is moving fast, new technologies allow us to share content with new perspectives, sciences have to evolve and use these new tools to communicate in a brand-new way, to make research more accessible and attractive to a wide and varied audience. But, how to do this? Couldn't adventure be a wonderful communication vector ? Innovations happen when you have a system that works well. Now we have to leave room for imagination and be disruptive because the system is changing and is no longer efficient enough.
Nathan Goffart
Do you want to meet a Sports Addict :) ? This 31-year-old entrepreneur is the Managing Director of his natural food supplement company (LEPIVITS), but his real passion lies in sports. He's addicted to climbing and football - there's nothing quite like the rush of adrenaline and the thrill of competition for him.
But it's not just about the physical challenge. The Sports Addict loves the great, hostile and wild outdoors, traveling and discovering new things. He believes that life is all about exploring and pushing boundaries.
This is the reason why he left for this extraordinary adventure. Nanok expédition is an ice triathlon on the remote and hostile lands of Greenland. A scientific-sportive expedition where the surpassing of oneself and the scientific research are closely linked. With the help of his travel companion (Gilles Denis), they accomplished an unprecedented 6-month journey mixing polar crossing, kayaking and climbing. All this, while collecting precious samples for 5 different scientific researchers (in connection with Belgian and Danish universities) which will help their climate research.
Here are two quotes that define Nathan : "Happiness is only real when shared." This is something that Nathan lives by. He enjoys sharing his passion for sports with others, whether it's through organizing events or simply chatting with like-minded people.
Second one "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." And he loves to push people to believe in what they dream.
If you’d like to find out more about this event, you can find more info on our event webpage and Talk CEC’s !
See you soon!