Brussel: europe and the arabs 

Sunday saw the end of the I Love Science festival. The free science festival attracted no 
less than 15,000 people to Tour & Taxis in Brussels. Visitors were introduced to science 
and technology through animations, workshops, exhibitions, laboratories and much more. 
New this year was the WATS (Women’s Award in Technology & Sciences) prize, which was 
awarded, for the first time at the festival, to Emilie Steinbach. 
The I Love Science festival took place in Brussels for the fourth time. The festival is known 
for actively introducing visitors of all ages to the fascinating world of science. More than 60 
stands were spread over seven different themed villages. Visitors were also treated to seven 
science trucks outside. In addition to the animations, workshops, exhibitions and debates, I 
Love Science hosted talks and encounters. Special guest was Dirk Frimout, the first Belgian 
astronaut to go to space. 
WATS 
This year, the Women Award in Technology and Sciences (WATS) was presented for the first 
time at the festival. Four women scientists competed for the award and presented themselves 
to the public during the festival’s WATS Talks. Voting closed on Sunday morning and it was 
Emilie Steinbach from Brussels who emerged victorious. The neuroscientist will receive 
10,000 EUR to support her project. In her role as science ambassador, she will immerse young 
people in the wonderful world of science and technology. 
The I Love Science festival is organised by Innoviris, in collaboration with visit.brussels for 
the Brussels-Capital Region.