Research Katrien Kolenberg

Abstract

Good education is the foundation of a well-developed society. Technology and science play an increasingly important role in our society and its development, but we see that these topics are sometimes taught in a very 'dry' and unattractive way at school. In Senegal, this also results in limited uptake (including of STEM disciplines) in higher education. With SeneSTEM, we want to change this through simple and concrete interventions. We focus on teachers and students in both primary and secondary education. Our initiatives aim to nurture and improve STEM and science education in Senegal, so that both teachers and students develop self-confidence and learn to discover their own passions and talents through inspiring teaching packages, teacher training, and interventions in schools. Our goal is to encourage everyone, regardless of their skills and background, and in particular minority groups (such as girls and students with disabilities), to continue their (local) education and thus significantly broaden their future prospects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Kolenberg Katrien

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project
• Education Project

Abstract

The first detection of an exoplanet marked a new epoch in our hopes to detect extraterrestrial life. These detections have opened new parameter spaces and demonstrate that physical and chemical conditions exists in (A) planet forming disks that are vastly different from what we know in the solar system and in (B) (exo)planets that are vastly different from those that characterized planet Earth when life originated in an anoxic soup, and yet could allow for life-bearing chemistry to occur. In this MC-ITN, we focus on the development of Virtual Laboratories which will be the crucial tool to analyze in detail current and future disk and exoplanet observations, and for filling the gaps of incomplete observational data. Our Virtual Laboratories will use advanced numerical and statistical methods that comprise input from astrophysics, computational chemistry, laboratory and theoretical physics, geosciences, mathematics, and computer sciences. Virtual laboratories play a key role in simulating yet unexplored physico-chemical environments. Our 3 major objectives are: -- Scientific: Retrieve and predict the chemical composition of planet-forming disks and exoplanet atmospheres. -- Technological: Knowledge transfer between planet and disk community by the exchange of state-of-the-art codes. Apply and develop models of different complexity as link between big observational and numerical modelling data. Explore models as Virtual Laboratories for parameter spaces that cannot be reached by observations nor by (laboratory) experiments. -- Educational: Train complex modelling and big-data interpretation. Use fascination for exoplanets and their birthplaces to promote science in the society and in the local and wider communities due to dedicated art & education and art & science projects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Kolenberg Katrien
• Co-promoter: Van Petegem Peter

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the two years of this project, we will use the positive momentum of activity around the recently established Oukaimeden Observatory (OO) to help it grow as an important pole for the development of astronomy research and science education in Morocco and in the wider African region. Astronomy is a unique and cost-effective tool for furthering sustainable global development, because of its technological scientific and cultural dimensions. Our project's goals are twofold and complementary: 1. To establish the scientific collaboration between Moroccan and Belgian researchers, involving researchers from the wider African region (Senegal), in the theme of variable stars and planetary science, including the development of a spectropolarimetric instrument at OO. 2. To increase scientific literacy at multiple levels, through joint teaching material and online tutorials to improve efficient teaching. In addition, outreach projects merging astrophysics and environmental awareness will be carried out through dedicated, gender-attentive teacher-training workshops, in collaboration with the Atlas Dark Sky initiative.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Kolenberg Katrien

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project