What does your job and research involve?
I am a professor of astrophysics at the University of Antwerp, with additional appointments at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and KU Leuven.
My astronomical research focuses on the interiors of stars: by studying their oscillations, we gain insight into how stars are structured and how they evolve. In addition, I investigate how science can be meaningfully connected to society.
Alongside my academic research, I am deeply engaged in science education and science communication. I often work at the intersection of science and the arts, for instance through data sonification, exhibitions, performances, and participatory projects, because I am convinced that science should not only be understood, but also experienced and felt.
I also work closely with partners in developing countries and in regions where astronomy is still emerging. Precisely there, I see enormous interest in science and a wealth of often underused talent. Through collaboration in research, education, and science communication, I aim to contribute to sustainable capacity-building and mutual learning, and to demonstrate that scientific talent knows no borders.
What motivates you in your research and your job, and what makes it so fascinating or challenging for you?
I am driven by curiosity, but also by wonder: a fascination for the universe and for the ways in which people relate to it. What makes my work so compelling to me is the combination of research, teaching, communication, and artistic practice. That versatility is challenging, but it is precisely what makes it so meaningful. It gives me energy to open up science and to share it, especially with young people and with those who may not naturally feel addressed by the scientific world.
By working in different (academic and cultural) contexts, I can combine various roles and show that a scientific career does not have to follow a single fixed trajectory.
Why is diversity (in gender, background, perspectives) so important in science? And what could still be improved?
Science thrives on diversity. Different backgrounds and perspectives lead to richer questions and deeper insights. Yet we still see inequalities, particularly regarding progression and visibility.
Initiatives such as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science are important for increasing the visibility of role models, but structural changes remain essential: inclusive work cultures, space for varied career paths, and recognition of diverse forms of scientific impact, including communication and other creative work.
Tips for future scientists?
Let your curiosity be your compass, and dare to follow your own voice. There is no fixed idea of what a scientist ‘should be’. Science needs people who combine different talents and interests.Seek support from mentors and peers, be gentle with yourself when you encounter setbacks, and remember that doubt is part of the process. And above all: nurture your sense of wonder, because it is often the most sustainable driving force for a life in science.