The Helios-STEAM Chair at VUB, led by Professor Hugo Thienpont, draws on expertise from VUB’s Engineering and Psychology & Educational Sciences faculties. It combines three work packages: education, research, and a sustainable building.

Education. The VUB STEAM team runs continuous in-school and out-of-school workshops for young people aged 6 to 18, anchored around sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Workshops use VUB’s fablab, bio-hacklab, and growing garden. While the Pajottegem campus is under construction, activities run in libraries, schools, youth services, and companies across Flanders, with industry partners including Siemens, Colruyt, and Velleman.

Research. A research stream studies what actually works in STEAM teaching: how interventions affect student motivation, identity, and career intentions, and how teachers can be supported. Its literature review was published in Education Sciences (MDPI) and has been turned into a practical teachers’ guide. A regional mapping of STEM interest is underway in Pajottenland and Zennevallei, and a pilot impact study showed increases in STEM interest and certain motivation components.

The building. The renovation of a former municipal school in Pajottegem into the STEAM Academy is designed as a model for circular, low-carbon construction. An engineering study identified the most sustainable solutions for heating, lighting, and energy. The structure is being built with bricks recovered from the demolition and low-CO2 concrete, with Phenix Group as main contractor for the shell construction.