Prof. Lesley De Cruz and her team have been selected for the 2026 EMS (European Meteorological Society) Outreach & Communication Award for their innovative workshop that makes urban climate science accessible and engaging. The project uses LEGO bricks and real-time AI modeling to help participants understand how urban design choices affect local temperature patterns.

The workshop operates through a straightforward cycle: participants build miniature cities with LEGO blocks, a custom Temperature Booth scans the physical model, an AI-powered urban climate model processes the data instantly, and participants immediately observe how design modifications (such as replacing parking lots with parks) alter heat distribution patterns. By focusing on nighttime heat retention, the workshop provides intuitive insights into urban planning and climate resilience without requiring prior scientific background.

Since launch, the project has engaged thousands of participants at public events and science festivals. It has also earned recognition in academic circles, including a second place for Best Student Presentation at the 12th International Conference on Urban Climate (2025) and the Royal Flemish Academy’s Science Communication Prize.

The interdisciplinary team includes researchers from VUB and partner institutions RMI, UGent and KdG. The work demonstrates how combining AI, hands-on engagement, and scientific rigor can bridge the gap between complex climate science and public understanding. The award will be presented at the EMS Annual Meeting in Utrecht on September 7, 2026.

This workshop was made possible thanks to funding from Innoviris.