EXCITE YOUTH FOR ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Their core work

EYEST is a Belgian NGO dedicated to inspiring young people to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology through hands-on educational programs and outreach activities. They specialize in designing and delivering STEM workshops, maker-style learning experiences, and photonics education linked to EU research projects. Their work bridges the gap between advanced research (such as laser physics and photonics) and accessible, engaging formats for students and the general public, with a particular emphasis on gender inclusion and 21st-century skills development.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

EYEST started with broad science awareness campaigns — their early work centered on public outreach, youth engagement, and promoting gender balance in science during the 2015 International Year of Light. Over time, their focus sharpened toward more hands-on, skills-oriented programs: fab labs, maker culture, open source tools, and entrepreneurship through PHABLABS 4.0. Most recently, their involvement in LasIonDef signals a move into supporting advanced research training networks in laser physics and quantum materials, suggesting they are becoming a trusted outreach and training partner for technically demanding EU research consortia.

EYEST is evolving from general science popularization toward embedded training and outreach roles within advanced research projects, making them increasingly relevant for MSCA and deep-tech consortia needing a strong education and dissemination partner.

How they like to work

EYEST has never coordinated an H2020 project — they consistently join as a participant or third party, playing a supporting outreach and education role within larger consortia. With 41 unique partners across 15 countries from just 4 projects, they operate in large, diverse networks rather than small focused teams. This profile suggests a reliable, low-friction partner that integrates well into big consortia without competing for scientific leadership.

Despite only 4 projects, EYEST has built a remarkably broad network of 41 partners across 15 countries, reflecting their participation in large pan-European consortia. Their network spans both research-intensive institutions (via MSCA training networks) and education-focused organizations.

What sets them apart

EYEST occupies a niche that few organizations fill well: translating complex photonics and laser research into engaging, accessible educational experiences for young people. As an NGO rather than a university or research center, they bring genuine grassroots outreach capacity without the overhead of academic bureaucracy. For any consortium that needs a credible education, training, or public engagement work package partner in Belgium, EYEST is a proven and efficient choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PHABLABS 4.0
  Their largest funded project (EUR 150,469), combining photonics with fab lab maker culture — a distinctive intersection of advanced optics and grassroots digital fabrication education.
• LasIonDef
  Their most recent and technically advanced involvement (2020-2025), connecting EYEST to quantum emitter research and laser microfabrication training — a significant step up in technical depth.