The Flemish roadshow for the Einstein Telescope continues in Antwerp

After a successful start in Hasselt, the Flemish roadshow for the Einstein Telescope  will soon be stopping in Antwerp, followed by other cities. The formula remains the same, combining an exhibition, public activities and workshops for schoolchildren. The aim is to raise awareness about the Einstein Telescope throughout Flanders and to show that the project will not only have scientific but also economic and social impact.

Enthusiasm and pride in Hasselt

For science journalist Daniel Mayerson, who is closely involved in organising the roadshow, the first edition in Hasselt above all confirmed the strong enthusiasm surrounding the project. “What I take away from Hasselt is that there is that the enthusiasm is genuine. At the universities, you really sense a pride in being involved in a project like the Einstein Telescope. Reasearchers are eager to show what they are working on and how their work contributes to something of international significance. “

He points out an enthusiasm not only among the researchers themselves, but also among the general public. “Visitors are very interested in the story behind the Einstein Telescope. Not only in how we want to see as far as possible into the universe, but also in how this will lead to new technologies and what that could mean for our economy and society. “

Some learnings from Hasselt

The first edition in Hasselt offered a wide-ranging programme, with numerous activities spread over several days. “A great source of learnings for the next stops,’ says Daniel Mayerson. ‘We noticed that offering a wide range of activities could sometimes be a little overwhelming. Visitors didn’t always get the big picture. In the next cities, we will look at how we can focus more on  fewer but clearly comprehensible activities. “

For mayerson, collaborating with the universities is crucial. “Without their commitment, the roadshow would not be possible. Despite their busy schedules, researchers and science communication champions in Hasselt were ready to roll up their sleeves and make the project as broad as possible. That is truly something to cherish. “

Up next for Antwerp

In Antwerp, the Einstein Telescope roadshow will take part in the University of Antwerp’s annual Campus Club at Campus Groenenborger on 2 and 3 February. Schoolchildren will enjoy four half-days of workshops and lectures. “From experience, we know that schools, their teachers and pupils are really looking forward to this,’ says Mayerson. ‘There is a lot of interest in groundbreaking scientific research, especially when it is as tangible and ambitious as the Einstein Telescope. “

Debate Eos Grey Cells

On Monday evening, 2 February, there will also be an Eos Grey Cells debate. Moderated by a journalist from the scientific magazine EOS, Hans Plets (CEO of ET-Flanders) and Professor Nick van Remortel of the University of Antwerp, will discuss the question: Why does our country need an Einstein Telescope? Both have been involved in the project from the very beginning and will explore it from scientific, technological and social perspectives. The debate is open to everyone. Reserve your place in advance by registering beforehand.

Expo Einstein Telescope

During spring break, the exhibition is open to everyone free of charge at the City Campus of the University of Antwerp. It will run on Saturday 14, Monday 16, Tuesday 17, and Wednesday 18 February, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Each day at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Professor Hans van Haevermaet from the University of Antwerp will give a short scientific presentation. The full programme of the exhibition is available on the  the University of Antwerp’s website for.

Inspiring the next generation

Daniel Mayerson particularly enjoys the moments when young people are introduced to the project. ” My personal motivation is to spark a sense of wonder about science, especially among the younth. The Einstein Telescope fuels the imagination, but at the same time it is a project they may be able to contribute to themselves later on. It is their future. “

From particle physics to gravitational waves

Professor Nick van Remortel’s contribution also promises to be interesting. “He began his career as a particle physicist and has recently turned his focus to the field of gravitational waves. Together with the Belgian company Werkhuizen Hengelhoef, he is one of the driving forces behind the Beampipes4ET project, which explores how the Einstein Telescope’s kilometre-long vacuum tubes can be constructed underground. This innovation could have a major impact on both the budget and the feasibility of the project.”

Measuring success beyond numbers

When will the roadshow be considered a success? For Daniel Mayerson, attendances figures are not the main measure of success. “Of course, we want to reach as many people as possible, but what matters most to me is that visitors understand that this project is for all of us. In Belgian Limburg, that message is already well established. With the roadshow, we aim to convey the same idea across other parts of Flanders: the Einstein Telescope is a project by and for everyone.”