A Mobile Science Laboratory for Belgium
In 2010, the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences in Belgium and Solvay launched the XperiLAB project. Engineers designed this 16-meter, 32-ton mobile science laboratory to spark curiosity and inspire young minds across Belgium.
As a flagship STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education initiative supported by the Fonds Ernest Solvay. The truck brings hands-on science directly to schools and communities, making experimentation accessible and engaging.
Interactive Learning for Students Aged 10 to 14
Designed specifically for the "age of discovery", XperiLAB welcomes students into an immersive environment with nine interactive laboratories, each supervised by trained facilitators. Over a 45-minute session, students use the scientific method (Observe, Make hypotheses, Experiment, Deduce) in fun, real-world experiments.
Inside the truck, learners become scientists. From studying microscopic organisms to testing wind turbine blades, each module makes abstract ideas hands-on. It also covers decoding colors, building solar circuits, and analyzing fibers. Each lab nurtures critical thinking and helps students understand how science shapes the world around us.
XperiLAB delivers significant educational value across all Belgian regions, ensuring science is reachable for diverse student populations.
National Impact and Outreach Statistics
Beyond the usual school circuits, XperiLAB joins hundreds of external events. These include community days and major science festivals like "I Love Science."
A Philanthropic Partnership Model
XperiLAB is operated by the Fondation Entreprise & Institut (FEI). The program’s governance includes the IRSNB, Solvay, and external board members. This keep the initiative strong in science outreach and education excellence.
Our Ambition: Building Future Innovators
This initiative is a core pillar of Solvay's "For Generations" Corporate Citizenship purpose. The mission of XperiLAB is to make science approachable and tangible for every child. By fostering early engagement in STEM, Solvay helps build the next generation of scientists and responsible citizens.
Science starts with a spark—and XperiLAB brings that spark directly to children, wherever they are.
