Millions of today’s children face unprecedented lifetime exposure to heatwaves, floods, droughts, and storms if global warming reaches 3.5 °C. Deep emission cuts to meet the Paris 1.5 °C goal could protect millions. Urgent climate action is needed to safeguard children’s futures worldwide.

Researchers from Ghent University and VUB are digitizing Congo Basin weather records (1907–1960) using human-in-the-loop AI. By combining OCR models, vision-language tools, and expert corrections—with the help of VSC supercomputing—they’ve achieved high accuracy in transcribing complex handwritten climate tables. The study highlights the power of AI-human collaboration in preserving historical data.

We investigate the rotational excitation of vinyl cyanide, a complex organic molecule detected in interstellar space. Using high-level quantum chemistry and HPC, we compute collisional cross-sections and rate coefficients critical for modeling astrophysical environments like Sagittarius B2. This work advances our understanding of chemical complexity in the cosmos.

Genetic diversity is vital for species survival, yet not all wild cats possess it equally. By analyzing genome data from 39 felid species, researchers revealed that cats with large ranges and high population density—like ocelots—harbour more genetic diversity than rare, low-density species like the Asiatic lion. This large-scale study was powered by the Flemish Supercomputer Centre (VSC).

This study presents a computational model combining perceptual and generalization theories to explore how humans transfer learned fear to new situations. Using Pavlovian fear conditioning data, it reveals dynamic individual differences in perception that shape behavior. By modeling perception as probabilistic and ever-changing, the research highlights the need to rethink how mental representations influence generalization.

Hydrogen can weaken metals by causing internal cracks, a problem known as hydrogen embrittlement. Using advanced simulations and digital twins, researchers modeled how hydrogen moves through metallic microstructures. Their findings reveal a new inward diffusion mechanism, challenging classical theories and offering fresh insights for safer hydrogen-based technologies.

From excavation to data lab: This gallery captures the Sint-Truiden paleogenomics project — where over 3,000 medieval burials were unearthed and analysed. Behind each image lies a story of meticulous archaeology, DNA research, and high-performance computing powered by VSC.

Land use decisions affect more than just carbon, they also shape regional heat stress. Even with sustainable practices, our models show limited protection against extreme heat, especially in vulnerable regions. While restoring forests helps cool the planet, it may not be enough to safeguard labor capacity and human well-being.

How does water behave inside nanopores? Researchers reveal that confined water in zeolites significantly boosts catalytic reactions like guaiacol O-demethylation—key for converting biomass into valuable chemicals. Using advanced molecular simulations and VSC supercomputing power, the study unveils how spatial organization and undercoordinated hydronium ions drive this breakthrough in green chemistry.

By: Armando J. Cruz-Laufer, Maarten P. M. Vanhove, Lutz Bachmann, Maxwell Barson, Hassan Bassirou, Arnold R. Bitja Nyom, Mare Geraerts,...