Children’s University 2026
On 7 March 2026, we will once again host a Kinderuniversiteit at EnergyVille 1 for children aged 8 to 13. Registrations open on 11 February.
Our researchers will take kids on an adventure through the fascinating world of renewable energy, with engaging children’s lectures and hands-on workshops. Best of all? Participation is completely free.
Please note: children can take part in either the morning OR the afternoon programme (one children’s lecture + one workshop).
Registration opens on Wednesday 11 February at 1:00 PM via www.kuleuven.be/kinderuniversiteit (select Register).
Want to stay informed about upcoming activities? We’d be happy to keep you updated!
The programme
Children’s lecture
Will you join us to listen to the universe with the Einstein Telescope?
Join energy expert and researcher Robbe Breugelmans from EnergyVille on an exciting journey through space! In this lecture, you’ll discover the Einstein Telescope, a super-sensitive telescope that doesn’t look, but listens to vibrations in space, known as gravitational waves. We’ll meet Albert Einstein and explore his brilliant ideas about space and time. You’ll learn how massive stars and black holes make the universe vibrate, and how the telescope uses laser light and enormous underground tunnels to measure incredibly tiny movements — all to better understand the cosmos. With fun experiments and demonstrations, we’ll bring the laws of nature to life and show how energy and vibrations work. You’ll pick up cool facts and tricky words in an easy, playful way.
So come along to watch, listen, and experiment for yourself!
Workshops
Discover the magic of programming with Dash
Step into the world of technology and creativity with robot Dash. In this workshop by EducaThor, you start with a simple, interactive exercise that immediately teaches you the basics of programming. Then it’s your turn to get hands-on! Using colourful blocks in a Scratch-like environment on the iPad, you will program Dash to move, respond, and perform new tricks. Your ideas, your robot. Who knows what adventures Dash will go on!
Welcome to the solar panel factory
Discover how smart engineers at Soltech design and produce beautiful, innovative solar panels — and how you can make a light shine using a solar cell. During the workshop, you’ll first get a guided tour of the factory, go on a hunt for hidden solar panels, and brainstorm creative and clever ideas. Ready to discover the power of the sun for yourself?
Do you dream of playing your own game and building it at the same time? In this workshop, you’ll get hands-on and create your own mini game computer — your very own personal mini Gameboy! Design your own buttons, program your first game, and take your creation home with you. Ready to discover your inner game developer? Let’s play!
Dive into the world of technology with CoderDojo Genk! Build smart robots using LEGO Mindstorms and program them to follow lines. Or get started with micro:bits and design your own mini robots that respond to their environment. Learn how sensors work, give your robot the right commands, and watch your creations drive around independently. Time to roll up your sleeves, because this is a real tech adventure!
Discover the future of healthcare
Step into the world of healthcare and technology with UCLL! Learn how to resuscitate someone using high-tech training mannequins that show exactly how well you are performing chest compressions and how you can improve. Afterwards, you get to program ZORA, our smart healthcare robot, to help children. Discover how technology and care come together and experience your very own healthcare adventure!
Ready for an exciting adventure? In this workshop, you dive into the world of electricity and magnets and discover their hidden superpower. Learn why your hair can stand on end, how batteries and solar panels produce energy, and where electricity actually comes from. Go searching for the secrets of magnets, discover that the Earth itself is a giant magnet, and find out how thunderstorms and lightning are created. An energetic workshop full of surprises that will make you look at the world around you differently.
This was last year's edition of the Children's University
In 2025, many curious children immersed themselves in lectures and workshops on wind and solar energy, learned how to program a robot, discovered the secrets of electricity and magnetism, and so much more. Read more about it
