Bestor - Belgian Science and Technology Online Resources
@bestor2008.bsky.social
Platform for the history and philosophy of science in Belgium
Explore on bestor.be
Explore on bestor.be
Don’t forget to register for our YRD keynote by professor Gert Storms next Monday!
'Science in Textbooks and Science in Practice: Two Different Worlds?'
Where? Aula Emma Vorlat, Leuven, or online
When? 15 December, 4:30-6 pm
More information and registration: bit.ly/43VHi3s
'Science in Textbooks and Science in Practice: Two Different Worlds?'
Where? Aula Emma Vorlat, Leuven, or online
When? 15 December, 4:30-6 pm
More information and registration: bit.ly/43VHi3s
December 8, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Don’t forget to register for our YRD keynote by professor Gert Storms next Monday!
'Science in Textbooks and Science in Practice: Two Different Worlds?'
Where? Aula Emma Vorlat, Leuven, or online
When? 15 December, 4:30-6 pm
More information and registration: bit.ly/43VHi3s
'Science in Textbooks and Science in Practice: Two Different Worlds?'
Where? Aula Emma Vorlat, Leuven, or online
When? 15 December, 4:30-6 pm
More information and registration: bit.ly/43VHi3s
On 4 December 1865, Clémence Everard was born, the first woman to obtain a Belgian diploma in medicine. After her graduation in 1893 at the ULB, she worked in the laboratory of Paul Héger and collaborated with Jean Massart and Jules Bordet. Simultaneously, she opened her own practice in Brussels.
December 4, 2025 at 9:14 AM
On 4 December 1865, Clémence Everard was born, the first woman to obtain a Belgian diploma in medicine. After her graduation in 1893 at the ULB, she worked in the laboratory of Paul Héger and collaborated with Jean Massart and Jules Bordet. Simultaneously, she opened her own practice in Brussels.
Dit zat gisteren in onze brievenbus. Bedankt aan Gewina, Wonderkamer en Ad Maas voor de kans om de nieuwe Bestor toe te lichten! En lees zeker ook de andere mooie bijdragen in Wonderkamer 12 - over middeleeuwse ideeëngeschiedenis, het kan niet altijd over het internet gaan.
December 2, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Dit zat gisteren in onze brievenbus. Bedankt aan Gewina, Wonderkamer en Ad Maas voor de kans om de nieuwe Bestor toe te lichten! En lees zeker ook de andere mooie bijdragen in Wonderkamer 12 - over middeleeuwse ideeëngeschiedenis, het kan niet altijd over het internet gaan.
What better way to end the year than with a workshop on Gender, Religion, and the Production of Knowledge in the Early Modern Period?
Register now: bit.ly/3KszdN0
Register now: bit.ly/3KszdN0
November 27, 2025 at 1:28 PM
What better way to end the year than with a workshop on Gender, Religion, and the Production of Knowledge in the Early Modern Period?
Register now: bit.ly/3KszdN0
Register now: bit.ly/3KszdN0
We are exceptionally pleased to welcome Professor Gert Storms (KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology) as keynote speaker at the ninth Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science.
📅 December 15, 16:30–18:00
📍 Aula Emma Vorlat, KU Leuven
Register here: lnkd.in/eZdkhM7C
📅 December 15, 16:30–18:00
📍 Aula Emma Vorlat, KU Leuven
Register here: lnkd.in/eZdkhM7C
November 20, 2025 at 11:20 AM
We are exceptionally pleased to welcome Professor Gert Storms (KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology) as keynote speaker at the ninth Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science.
📅 December 15, 16:30–18:00
📍 Aula Emma Vorlat, KU Leuven
Register here: lnkd.in/eZdkhM7C
📅 December 15, 16:30–18:00
📍 Aula Emma Vorlat, KU Leuven
Register here: lnkd.in/eZdkhM7C
Conférence sur les sciences, la place de l'épistémologie et "le combat pour la science" dans notre société actuelle. Donnée par la mathématicienne et philosophe des sciences Laurence Bouquiaux à Liège, organisée par Académie royale.
📅09/12 - 18u30
📍Liège - Le Bocholtz
👉https://bit.ly/48gqbMd
📅09/12 - 18u30
📍Liège - Le Bocholtz
👉https://bit.ly/48gqbMd
November 18, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Conférence sur les sciences, la place de l'épistémologie et "le combat pour la science" dans notre société actuelle. Donnée par la mathématicienne et philosophe des sciences Laurence Bouquiaux à Liège, organisée par Académie royale.
📅09/12 - 18u30
📍Liège - Le Bocholtz
👉https://bit.ly/48gqbMd
📅09/12 - 18u30
📍Liège - Le Bocholtz
👉https://bit.ly/48gqbMd
On 16 November 1935, Emile Francqui passed away. Few people have left such a significant mark on Belgian science. In the interwar period, he built an extensive network including the royal palace and established various scientific and financial organizations. In 1928, he helped found the FNRS.
November 17, 2025 at 11:24 AM
On 16 November 1935, Emile Francqui passed away. Few people have left such a significant mark on Belgian science. In the interwar period, he built an extensive network including the royal palace and established various scientific and financial organizations. In 1928, he helped found the FNRS.
In November 1915, the “emergency university” of Amersfoort closed — a Dutch university created for Belgian refugees during WO I. Its classes offered not just education, but also served a moral purpose and had to maintain a lasting bond with home.
NL: bit.ly/49bm3OB
FR: bit.ly/47TOgam
NL: bit.ly/49bm3OB
FR: bit.ly/47TOgam
November 12, 2025 at 9:01 AM
In November 1915, the “emergency university” of Amersfoort closed — a Dutch university created for Belgian refugees during WO I. Its classes offered not just education, but also served a moral purpose and had to maintain a lasting bond with home.
NL: bit.ly/49bm3OB
FR: bit.ly/47TOgam
NL: bit.ly/49bm3OB
FR: bit.ly/47TOgam
The botanical garden of Meise is hosting an exhibition on Belgian biologist Jean Massart, a pioneer of nature preservation, and his photography. Long before the word “ecology” existed, he captured our natural world with his camera.
More information via the link below! 👇
bit.ly/4oLxbWI
More information via the link below! 👇
bit.ly/4oLxbWI
November 5, 2025 at 8:50 AM
The botanical garden of Meise is hosting an exhibition on Belgian biologist Jean Massart, a pioneer of nature preservation, and his photography. Long before the word “ecology” existed, he captured our natural world with his camera.
More information via the link below! 👇
bit.ly/4oLxbWI
More information via the link below! 👇
bit.ly/4oLxbWI
Call for papers!
The times, they are a-changin’. But is research changing with them? At the 11th Gewina Woudschoten Conference, Gewina will investigate how daily research routines are affected by shifting world orders, environmental disasters, pandemics, wars and other types of fun.
More info 👇
The times, they are a-changin’. But is research changing with them? At the 11th Gewina Woudschoten Conference, Gewina will investigate how daily research routines are affected by shifting world orders, environmental disasters, pandemics, wars and other types of fun.
More info 👇
October 29, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Call for papers!
The times, they are a-changin’. But is research changing with them? At the 11th Gewina Woudschoten Conference, Gewina will investigate how daily research routines are affected by shifting world orders, environmental disasters, pandemics, wars and other types of fun.
More info 👇
The times, they are a-changin’. But is research changing with them? At the 11th Gewina Woudschoten Conference, Gewina will investigate how daily research routines are affected by shifting world orders, environmental disasters, pandemics, wars and other types of fun.
More info 👇
A century ago, Irène Van Der Bracht (1891-1941) became the first female professor in Belgium, at the University of Ghent.
Read more about this pioneer on Bestor:
NL: bit.ly/4oEh51c
FR: bit.ly/4302wNf
Read more about this pioneer on Bestor:
NL: bit.ly/4oEh51c
FR: bit.ly/4302wNf
October 27, 2025 at 3:12 PM
A century ago, Irène Van Der Bracht (1891-1941) became the first female professor in Belgium, at the University of Ghent.
Read more about this pioneer on Bestor:
NL: bit.ly/4oEh51c
FR: bit.ly/4302wNf
Read more about this pioneer on Bestor:
NL: bit.ly/4oEh51c
FR: bit.ly/4302wNf
🎙The DHST has launched a podcast designed to support early career scholars. Each episode features conversations with experts in the history of science and technology on a wide range of topics relevant to academic life today. Give it a listen via the link.
👉 bit.ly/4hq7hFR
👉 bit.ly/4hq7hFR
October 22, 2025 at 7:58 AM
🎙The DHST has launched a podcast designed to support early career scholars. Each episode features conversations with experts in the history of science and technology on a wide range of topics relevant to academic life today. Give it a listen via the link.
👉 bit.ly/4hq7hFR
👉 bit.ly/4hq7hFR
Nobel Prize week!
A good occasion to re-read our article on Belgian Noble Prize laureates like Christian de Duve and Ilya Prigogine.
NL: bit.ly/42PIwwL
FR: bit.ly/4pZ38MO
A good occasion to re-read our article on Belgian Noble Prize laureates like Christian de Duve and Ilya Prigogine.
NL: bit.ly/42PIwwL
FR: bit.ly/4pZ38MO
October 7, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Nobel Prize week!
A good occasion to re-read our article on Belgian Noble Prize laureates like Christian de Duve and Ilya Prigogine.
NL: bit.ly/42PIwwL
FR: bit.ly/4pZ38MO
A good occasion to re-read our article on Belgian Noble Prize laureates like Christian de Duve and Ilya Prigogine.
NL: bit.ly/42PIwwL
FR: bit.ly/4pZ38MO
Biologist Jane Goodall, renowned for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and as a trailblazing female scientist, passed away yesterday.
👩🔬Read more about pioneering Belgian female scientists like Hortense Van Risseghem or Isala Van Diest in our file on science and gender.
Link in comments!👇
👩🔬Read more about pioneering Belgian female scientists like Hortense Van Risseghem or Isala Van Diest in our file on science and gender.
Link in comments!👇
October 2, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Biologist Jane Goodall, renowned for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and as a trailblazing female scientist, passed away yesterday.
👩🔬Read more about pioneering Belgian female scientists like Hortense Van Risseghem or Isala Van Diest in our file on science and gender.
Link in comments!👇
👩🔬Read more about pioneering Belgian female scientists like Hortense Van Risseghem or Isala Van Diest in our file on science and gender.
Link in comments!👇
⏳FINAL FINAL CALL!
Don't forget to hand in your abstract for the the Ninth Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science!
Topic? (Mis)Trust in Science
When? 15-16 December 2025
Where? KU Leuven
Abstract deadline? Tomorrow!
Abstracts to bestor@rasab.be
Don't forget to hand in your abstract for the the Ninth Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science!
Topic? (Mis)Trust in Science
When? 15-16 December 2025
Where? KU Leuven
Abstract deadline? Tomorrow!
Abstracts to bestor@rasab.be
September 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM
⏳FINAL FINAL CALL!
Don't forget to hand in your abstract for the the Ninth Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science!
Topic? (Mis)Trust in Science
When? 15-16 December 2025
Where? KU Leuven
Abstract deadline? Tomorrow!
Abstracts to bestor@rasab.be
Don't forget to hand in your abstract for the the Ninth Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science!
Topic? (Mis)Trust in Science
When? 15-16 December 2025
Where? KU Leuven
Abstract deadline? Tomorrow!
Abstracts to bestor@rasab.be
When? 15-16 December 2025
Where? KU Leuven
More information? bestor@rasab.be or maarten.langhendries@rasab.be
Abstracts of approximately 300 words should be sent to bestor@rasab.be
Full call: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Where? KU Leuven
More information? bestor@rasab.be or maarten.langhendries@rasab.be
Abstracts of approximately 300 words should be sent to bestor@rasab.be
Full call: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
September 24, 2025 at 8:52 AM
When? 15-16 December 2025
Where? KU Leuven
More information? bestor@rasab.be or maarten.langhendries@rasab.be
Abstracts of approximately 300 words should be sent to bestor@rasab.be
Full call: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Where? KU Leuven
More information? bestor@rasab.be or maarten.langhendries@rasab.be
Abstracts of approximately 300 words should be sent to bestor@rasab.be
Full call: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
FINAL CALL! 🤔Why trust science?
The Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science 2025 will address (historical) trust relationship between science and the public and the role of science communication. Trust us: the 9th YRD will be good! One week left to send in your abstract.
The Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science 2025 will address (historical) trust relationship between science and the public and the role of science communication. Trust us: the 9th YRD will be good! One week left to send in your abstract.
September 24, 2025 at 8:51 AM
FINAL CALL! 🤔Why trust science?
The Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science 2025 will address (historical) trust relationship between science and the public and the role of science communication. Trust us: the 9th YRD will be good! One week left to send in your abstract.
The Young Researchers Days in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science 2025 will address (historical) trust relationship between science and the public and the role of science communication. Trust us: the 9th YRD will be good! One week left to send in your abstract.
On 20 September 1945, Joseph Bidez passed away.
A classical philologist at the University of Ghent, he was also an important historian of science. Bidez taught Georges Sarton, who considered him his mentor.
He was the first chairman of the Belgian Comity for the History of Science.
A classical philologist at the University of Ghent, he was also an important historian of science. Bidez taught Georges Sarton, who considered him his mentor.
He was the first chairman of the Belgian Comity for the History of Science.
September 22, 2025 at 8:05 AM
On 20 September 1945, Joseph Bidez passed away.
A classical philologist at the University of Ghent, he was also an important historian of science. Bidez taught Georges Sarton, who considered him his mentor.
He was the first chairman of the Belgian Comity for the History of Science.
A classical philologist at the University of Ghent, he was also an important historian of science. Bidez taught Georges Sarton, who considered him his mentor.
He was the first chairman of the Belgian Comity for the History of Science.
Consider visiting (for free!) the Medical History Museum in Brussels this weekend for Heritage Days 2025.
September 15, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Consider visiting (for free!) the Medical History Museum in Brussels this weekend for Heritage Days 2025.
On 11 September 1905, Isabelle Gatti de Gamond passed away. She had a pioneering role in the introduction of education for Belgian women. In 1864, Gatti de Gamond founded the first Belgian secondary school for girls. Later, she initiated a preparatory program for women to enter universities.👩🎓
September 11, 2025 at 1:08 PM
On 11 September 1905, Isabelle Gatti de Gamond passed away. She had a pioneering role in the introduction of education for Belgian women. In 1864, Gatti de Gamond founded the first Belgian secondary school for girls. Later, she initiated a preparatory program for women to enter universities.👩🎓
Several prominent Belgian doctors, such as Adrien Payet and Antoine Depage, were heavily involved in cancer research and treatment. Joseph Maisin (see previous post) from the Leuven Cancer Institute was one of the first oncologists.
September 8, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Several prominent Belgian doctors, such as Adrien Payet and Antoine Depage, were heavily involved in cancer research and treatment. Joseph Maisin (see previous post) from the Leuven Cancer Institute was one of the first oncologists.
Yesterday was the first “World Radiotherapy Awareness Day”. Belgium played an important role in the first usage of radium for medical purposes, such as radiotherapy. In the interwar period, Belgium dominated the world market for radium, which it imported from the Belgian Congo.
September 8, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Yesterday was the first “World Radiotherapy Awareness Day”. Belgium played an important role in the first usage of radium for medical purposes, such as radiotherapy. In the interwar period, Belgium dominated the world market for radium, which it imported from the Belgian Congo.
On 16 August 1925, the Belgian botanist Jean Baptiste Massart passed away. He was a pioneer of biological fieldwork and of nature conservation. As early as 1912, he founded a league dedicated to the protection of nature. After WOI, he did research into the ecological restoration of the Yser region.
August 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM
On 16 August 1925, the Belgian botanist Jean Baptiste Massart passed away. He was a pioneer of biological fieldwork and of nature conservation. As early as 1912, he founded a league dedicated to the protection of nature. After WOI, he did research into the ecological restoration of the Yser region.
Exactly 200 years ago today, Ernest Quetelet was born — not the famous Adolphe Quetelet, but his son, who also made his mark as a scientist.
Like his father, Ernest Quetelet worked at the Royal Observatory, eventually leading the astronomical department, and studied magnetism and meridians.
Like his father, Ernest Quetelet worked at the Royal Observatory, eventually leading the astronomical department, and studied magnetism and meridians.
August 7, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Exactly 200 years ago today, Ernest Quetelet was born — not the famous Adolphe Quetelet, but his son, who also made his mark as a scientist.
Like his father, Ernest Quetelet worked at the Royal Observatory, eventually leading the astronomical department, and studied magnetism and meridians.
Like his father, Ernest Quetelet worked at the Royal Observatory, eventually leading the astronomical department, and studied magnetism and meridians.
On this day in 1885, Pierre-Joseph Bruylants was born — a member of a distinguished family of Belgian chemists. Even before earning his PhD at KU Leuven, he conducted research at home using his father's laboratory equipment. He helped determine the precise atomic weight of selenium.
July 9, 2025 at 9:41 AM
On this day in 1885, Pierre-Joseph Bruylants was born — a member of a distinguished family of Belgian chemists. Even before earning his PhD at KU Leuven, he conducted research at home using his father's laboratory equipment. He helped determine the precise atomic weight of selenium.