The NGI participates in the festive open days at the Royal Observatory

Last weekend, on 26 and 27 September 2026, the Royal Observatory of Belgium (ROB) held an open weekend for the general public. During this festive event, the ROB celebrated 200 years of dedication to science. The sunny weather brought between 8,000 and 9,000 enthusiastic visitors to Uccle.

The NGI, which celebrates its own significant 50^th anniversary this year, could not miss this event. With a well-stocked information booth and engaging presentations, NGI staff gave interested visitors an insight into its operations and projects. They learnt all about the NGI’s history, its mission and its current remit.

Together, the NGI and the ROB lay the foundations upon which numerous societal services rely. They provide the precise reference for location and time that enables, amongst other things, spatial planning, time synchronisation and sustainable development. In addition to their shared passion for research, both institutions have been working closely together for many years, both nationally and internationally.

The ROB manages the Central Bureau of the EUREF Permanent GNSS Network, which supports the implementation of the European coordinate system ETRS89, drawing on GNSS data from the NGI. Furthermore, the two institutions consult regularly to define a common Belgian position on international geodetic matters. They are also jointly recognised as partners of the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (UN-GGCE).

Together, the NGI and the ROB are focused on the future, in which their missions will continue to evolve and their collaboration will take on new forms, whilst always remaining driven by their shared commitment to society.

To mark their anniversaries, the Royal Mint of Belgium issued a joint commemorative 2-euro coin in honour of both institutions, which was unveiled on 25 September. This is the first time that a commemorative coin has highlighted two different organisations. The design pays tribute to both institutions, their significance and their contributions to Belgium’s scientific development. Read the press release.