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RadioACT! Science contest

RadioACT returns!

Since its discovery, the applications of ionising radiation have changed our world. From medical breakthroughs such as imaging and cancer treatment to sustainable energy production on Earth and in space, its impact is undeniable. Yet there are risks involved when handled carelessly.

Radioactivity and ionising radiation are all around us, but we cannot perceive it with our senses. How do we measure this radiation? How does it affect materials and our bodies? How can we protect ourselves from its harmful effects? These are some of the crucial questions radiation protection focuses on.

The Belgian Society for Radiation Protection (BVS-ABR) has been committed to promoting knowledge and awareness in this field for more than 60 years. After a successful science competition in 2023-2024, we are organising another challenging competition for 5th and 6th secondary school pupils in 2025-2026.

In an age when information floods us through numerous channels, it is increasingly difficult to form an informed opinion on complex topics such as nuclear science and technology. Social media, the internet and the rise of generative AI make us both more vulnerable to misinformation and disinformation.

  • Misinformation arises from unintentional mistakes in sharing information.
  • Disinformation, on the other hand, is a deliberate attempt to distort facts and manipulate our view of reality.

Ionising radiation and radioactivity have fascinated society for more than a century. From films and comics to art and music, popular media have shaped this theme in creative ways. But while these expressions are often entertaining, they have also contributed to misconceptions and an image which is inconsistent with scientific reality.

With this competition, we invite young people to separate fact from fiction, discover the science behind ionising radiation and think critically about what they hear, see and read. Will you take up the challenge?

Objective

During the competition, students will work on a scientific project that will be assessed by a professional jury. This way, they are introduced to the different disciplines related to radiation protection, such as physics, biology, mathematics, geography, social sciences, … In addition, the competition stimulates team skills, creativity and critical scientific thinking of pupils. It also draws attention to the responsible use of contemporary media and generative AI.

In particular, they are asked to scientifically investigate fake news around a phenomenon related to radiation protection and refute or not, summarised in a video of free format.

School challenge

Form a team of maximum 6 students from the third grade of secondary education within the same school in Belgium.

Ensure the involvement of at least 1 accompanying teacher.

Register before 30 September 2025 via the registration form.

1. Together with your teacher, select an item that your team believes can be labelled ‘fake news’ related to the use of ionising radiation and/or radiation protection, and set to work to find out the truth that is scientifically based. Choose only 1 ‘fake news’/myth/disinformation/misinformation.
2. Make an educational film of up to 5 minutes, taking into account:

  • Comprehensibility for the general public
  • Context fake news (origins, references)
  • Possible alternatives – Is this true or not and why?

3. Communicate and document the ‘making of’ during the production process of your video through one of the following channels with the hashtags #radioact #factcheck #bvsabr: instagram, facebook, linkedin
Send your video production to the contest organiser at radioact@bvsabr.be no later than 28 February 2026.

Examples of challenges include:

  • Radiation makes you glow in the dark
  • Radiation alters DNA giving you extra eyes or limbs
  • Radiation gives you superpowers
  • A nuclear reactor can explode just like an atomic bomb
  • Nuclear fusion will not produce nuclear waste
  • Radiation used for medical purposes is not harmful, but radiation from energy production is
  • The large chimneys of nuclear power plants emit a lot of radioactivity
  • The Fukushima nuclear disaster left large parts of Japan uninhabitable
  • The Chernobyl disaster caused more than one million deaths
  • Vodka offers protection against health effects of radiation

Do you have your own good idea of possible ‘fake news’ related to ionising radiation and/or radiation protection? Submit it to your registration.
With your team, you can call on an expert in radiation protection offered by our association to guide you throughout the competition.

We leave the format of the video production up to the participants (e.g. interviews, filming on location, stop-motion, documentary, animation…). In the credits, also pay attention to respecting copyright and GDPR. The use of generative artificial intelligence is allowed as long as it is clearly stated (tool, prompts).

Final

During a final event in March 2026, a selected number of teams will be able to present their video. This will include a short oral introduction of the video. After watching the video, questions can be asked by a jury of experts to the entire project team. The public event will be organised by BVS-ABR in Brussels. During the subsequent award ceremony, the winning teams will receive their prizes.

Prizes

The prize pool is diverse: budget for educational material for the classroom, educational visits and goodies.

The three best teams share in the prize pool.

A separate prize will be provided for the team that best communicated the ‘making of’ during the competition.
See entries from the previous RadioACT science competition.

Criteria

The following criteria will be used to evaluate the results:

  • Scientific content
  • Originality, creativity and innovative approach
  • Social relevance
  • Documentation, reporting and teamwork
  • Critical thinking
  • Presentation and communication (based on the interaction at the final event)
  • Interim communication via social media (quality & reach)

Cost

Participation in this competition is free of charge.
Participation of the selected teams in the final event in Brussels in March 2026 is free of charge, including catering. The Association will reimburse schools for transport costs incurred.

Registration

Registration is possible from June via the webform.
When registering, you should already indicate the domain (and possibly the research question) to enable BVS-ABR to appoint a suitable coach.
The final research question must be submitted by 30 September. A coach from BVS-ABR will be assigned to your team in the first week of October.

More info? Contact radioact@bvsabr.be.

Interested in staying further informed? Leave your details here.

RadioACT science contest 2025-2026

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