Science Day at Belgian Red Cross-Flanders

05/12/25

On Sunday, 23 November, our CEBaP researchers, together with our colleagues from TReC (Transfusion Research Center) and the Blood Service, welcomed science enthusiasts at the headquarters of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders in Mechelen during the yearly Science Day. 

During an interactive science fair targeting a broad audience of all ages, the CEBaP team shared why and how we conduct primary and secondary research on first aid and blood donation, and how our work can inform, influence and optimize our daily practice.

The fair consisted of several booths on diverse topics including guideline development, the blood donor eligibility questionnaire, the First Aid Blended Learning (FABL) application and even a resuscitation contest to challenge friends and family on who would provide the best CPR. During a guided tour through our blood laboratories, visitors could learn more about the “Way of the blood” from donation to transportation to the hospitals. For an active experience in providing first aid, two first aid workshops were organized: a virtual reality experience on the four steps of first aid, and a workshop on the basics of CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

It was an exciting day full of enthusiastic questions and genuine interest. We would like to thank all contributors and everyone who stopped by to discover how science and research shape everyday practice at Belgian Red Cross-Flanders.