On Tuesday 14 April 2026, a group of female secondary school pupils from the Heerbeeck College visited DIFFER as part of Girls’ Day. A perfect occasion to introduce girls to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and to show them that this world is also their world.
Girls’ Day at DIFFER means: a morning packed with all kinds of interactive activities designed to give girls a glimpse into the world of energy research and engineering. One of the highlights was a visit to the mechanical workshop, where the girls saw how technical components are built to support scientific experiments. This allowed them to understand the practical applications of research and how ideas are brought to life.
Yes, it works
The girls also took part in a soldering workshop, where they learned to safely use soldering tools and connect electronic components. Rob Wolfs, Electronics Engineer, looks back on a fruitful and productive morning: “The girls were enthusiastic and during the soldering workshop very concentrated, as the girls were working on their project in silence. Hearing ‘Yes, it works!’ at the end of an hour of focused work is always a sign that they enjoyed it. All girls left DIFFER with a working object.”
In addition to the workshop, female scientists and technicians showed the girls what ‘energy of the future’ is about, and how science plays a role in shaping a more sustainable world. The girls learned more about plasma, entered a research lab to see DIFFER’s research facility Magnum-PSI, and explored how magnetism works by demonstrating a little ‘levitating’ metal ball. Lizan Kivits, postdoctoral researcher at DIFFER: “I enjoyed teaching the girls about science and seeing them try to relate it to things they recognise from their everyday lives.”
Why Girls' Day?
Girls' Day is an annual event where thousands of girls meet companies in STEM, engineering and IT. This gives them an accessible way to learn about these fields, which increases the chances that they will later choose a career in this sector. Girls and women are still underrepresented in technical courses and professions. Only 16.6% of workers in STEM, engineering and IT are women. Therefore, DIFFER considers it important to support events like these, which show young girls that the world of STEM is also their world.
Author: Rianne van Hoek
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