As a scientific expert center, ROB is committed to share and expand its expertise in interaction with upcoming generations of researchers at all ages. The ROB Academic and Education Program includes the following divisions:

PhD research work

The ROB observational infrastructure, in space and on the ground, produces cutting edge data on the physical universe, including Earth as a planet. PhD students contribute significantly to the exploitation of these data and their interpretation through theoretical modeling and simulations. Once per year, an Open Call is issued for “ROB PhD Grants” to attract new, promising young researchers. ROB scientists act as promoters, co-promoters, supervisors, or jury members of the PhD students.

Academic Lecturing

ROB is part of the Belgian research community and hence its senior researchers contribute at universities in Belgium and abroad, to lecturing academic courses in space physics, physics of the Earth & other planets and astronomy/astrophysics. These lectures expose the students to the disciplines in which ROB excels.

Master Thesis Work and Stages

Students conducting their Master thesis work or stages are welcomed in the research teams of ROB for what is often their first real hands-on experience in research. Also engineering students are much appreciated for their contributions in pioneering and development projects. Foreign students can be supported by ROB grants for a research visit.

Specialised Trainings

Besides research, ROB is also tasked to contribute scientific services to society. Therefore when the ROB scientific disciplines connect to societal needs, the expertise is shared through specialised trainings and schools, often organised in collaboration with external partners.

Outreach & Dissemination to Schools

The ROB Planetarium is a national reference for introducing school children to basic astronomical concepts. Tens of thousands of school children visit the ROB Planetarium every year as part of school study trips together with their teachers.
Bachelor and Master students in sciences or engineering from the different Belgian universities are also welcome at the ROB Planetarium to follow sessions adapted to their curriculum. In addition, they are invited to a classical planetarium show for free on the same day.