60 Years of Aeronomy: Reflecting, sharing, and prospects

2023-2024
On 25 November 2024, our Institute celebrated its 60th anniversary. The anniversary was an opportunity to highlight our past achievements, current research and future prospects.

An open-access exhibition was set up, while specific events for our Uccle neighbours, including an inauguration and visits to secondary schools, strengthened our link with the community. At the Planetarium, an event dedicated to our future colleagues was a great success, testifying to the commitment and enthusiasm of our staff, as well as the interest of the public.

Founded on 25 November 1964, our scientific institute celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. This anniversary was an opportunity to highlight all the achievements and scientific advances made over these six decades, and to look to the future, through a number of events.

An exhibition open to all

The exhibition, which ran from 4 November to 6 December 2024, showcased our past achievements, current research and future prospects. The 23 panels, displayed on the outside railings of our site, enabled a wide public to discover our activities freely, without having to enter our premises.

These panels were also accessible on the webpage "60 years of research history, an exhibition (1964-2024)" for remote visitors, and on-site visitors could scan the QR codes integrated into each panel, directing them to enriched content.

An inauguration of this exhibition, for the people of Uccle, took place on 7 November 2024 allowing them to discover our premises and the exhibition while interacting with the scientists. Positive feedback on the quality of the welcome and presentation was abundant, underlining a memorable experience for all participants.

The exhibition, which is intended to be touring, will include a stop at the Euro Space Center in 2025, giving an even wider audience the chance to discover our activities and achievements.

Evening at the Brussels Planetarium

The evening at the Brussels Planetarium on 22 November 2024 was specially designed for our future colleagues. Our scientists led enriching and inspiring discussions, helping to train the next generation of researchers. The evening was an opportunity to strengthen the interest and commitment of this audience.

Visits to Uccle secondary schools

The visits of secondary schools in Uccle on 27 November 2024 were a great success. The pupils were able to find out about our activities and our institute, and talk to the scientists about their work and their school careers, reinforcing their interest in science and research.

A presence on social networks

Finally, to celebrate our 60th anniversary, we have also been active on social networks, retracing key events in our history. Creating a link between our past and our present.

Conclusion

We are delighted that these events have allowed us to share our passion and knowledge with the public. We would like to thank all the staff who helped make these celebrations a success and we look forward to continuing to share our achievements and passions with the world.

60 years exhibition
Evening exhibition 60 years Uccle Ukkel
Inauguration of this exhibition, for the people of Uccle, allowing them to discover our premises and the exhibition while interacting with the scientists. Image credits, BIRA-IASB.
Pupils talk to scientist in front of exhibition panel
The visits of secondary schools in Uccle were a great success. The pupils were able to find out about our activities and our institute, and talk to the scientists about their work and their school careers, reinforcing their interest in science and research. Image credits, BIRA-IASB.
Event planatarium researchers and students
The evening at the Brussels Planetarium was specially designed for our future colleagues. Our scientists led enriching and inspiring discussions, helping to train the next generation of researchers. Image credits, BIRA-IASB.