#women in science day

Four of our scientists in the spotlight for Women In Science Day. They represent all the women that our research institute is building on!

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Renata Barros is one of our geologists. She specializes in the role of geological resources and subsurface use in the transition to a more sustainable future.

“Geology dictates where many our natural resources are coming from, such as the water we drink, the heat that can give us renewable energy, or the metals used in solar panels, wind turbines and batteries. An efficient and sustainable use of such resources is now more important than ever. Geological knowledge can also help us to develop smart and sustainable solutions making use of the vast volumes of rock we have under our feet, for example storing CO2. The possibilities are endless!”

Renata is currently coordinating the GeoConnect³d project, that will create an open-access knowledge system gathering geological data from all around Europe in an experience somewhat like Google Earth. One of the main goals of this system: to make geology more understandable.



‘Since I was a child, I have always been attracted to the sea and underwater life,’ says Geneviève Lacroix. ‘And I was strong in mathematics, physics and computer science. I find all these combined in my work here at the Institute.’

But what exactly does she do? She develops mathematical models with which, for example, we can predict the impact of climate change on the dispersion of fish larvae. Or how an excess of nutrients in rivers can cause algae blooms in the sea. Or how the washing of exhaust gasses from ships contributes to the acidification of the North Sea.

“The aim is to protect and improve the marine ecosystem. We advise policy makers and inform the general public about this. I love what I do. There are also the sampling campaigns with the research vessel Belgica. And diving of course!”



Karin Breugelmans holds the keys of our DNA Lab, which was founded in 1991 and has expanded considerably in the meantime. In the lab, there is usually a constant stream of students and researchers from all corners of the world. Many have taken their first steps in DNA research here. It is great to be able to guide them.

Many discoveries have been made here. By studying the DNA of animals, we can reconstruct how they evolved, or how certain characteristics arose. DNA analysis helps to identify specimens or to describe new species.

‘30 years of the DNA lab… let’s throw a party (when we are allowed to do so again)!’



Camille Locatelli is a digitization expert at our Scientific Heritage Service. Her speciality is the digitization of insects and other invertebrates, both fossil and recent. Using the Micro-CT technique (micro–computed tomography) and 3D software she can visualize collection specimens in 2D and 3D. She can even make internal features visible, without damaging the specimen!

“Digitizing natural science collections is a daily pleasure. You develop a special bond with specimens that have been kept in our collections all these years. Some of them arrived over 100 years ago and never left. Digitization allows us to rescue them from oblivion, to give them a second life, eternally this time!“

"For me, the most beautiful specimens to digitize are the smallest ones, even though they can be a real challenge! With the naked eye, they can sometimes be mistaken for simple crumbs or dust. To discover the sublime details of these tiny particles is just an amazing feeling, every single time.”

Check out our digitization work at virtualcollections.naturalsciences.be