Event overview

Science Day 2025

During Science Day, ITM invites you to explore the fascinating world of sleeping sickness, one of the most persistent tropical infectious diseases. Discover how ITM researchers, together with international partners, are working towards the elimination of this deadly disease. Thanks to groundbreaking research, global collaboration, and the support of donors, we are closer than ever to a world free of sleeping sickness. Come and experience firsthand how science truly changes lives!
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Stadscampus Universiteit Antwerpen

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HAT microscopie

Science Day

Practical information:

Tse tse trap

ITM booth: Discover how ITM fights sleeping sickness

What is sleeping sickness and how do we study it?

See for yourself what the parasite looks like under the microscope and discover how digitalization is transforming diagnostics. Through interactive tablets and video displays, our researchers show how trypanosomes (the parasites that cause sleeping sickness) behave and move.

Meet the tsetse fly

Get to know the insect that transmits the disease. Observe live tsetse flies up close and learn more about their crucial role in spreading sleeping sickness.

Become a doctor for a day

Step into the role of a doctor and examine a mysterious patient. Perform a real CATT test and find out whether your patient has sleeping sickness... or just a common cold.

Wim Nerdland

Lectures for young and old

Why mosquitoes matter more than you think

For adults: 13:00–13:30

Mosquitoes are much more than a summer nuisance. They tell us a lot about health, climate, and ecosystems. Scientist Wim Van Bortel from ITM explains how mosquitoes find us, which diseases they spread, and how research helps reduce their impact.

Who doesn’t love mosquitoes?

For children (and curious parents): 15:10–15:30

Dive into the fascinating world of mosquitoes. Discover why they need our blood and how researchers are trying to outsmart them. An interactive and fun talk full of surprising facts, by Wim Van Bortel (ITM).

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