The Science of food, identity and belonging
Discover the diversity of African & Diaspora Cuisines
Roots and Recipes is part of the European Researchers’ Night, Europe’s largest celebration of science and research. Over two inspiring days, visitors can explore the world of food through science, culture, and hands-on experiences, with African food and food traditions taking centre stage.
What is Roots and Recipes?
Roots and Recipes celebrates the multi-dimensional aspects of food consumed in Africa and among the African diaspora in Europe. Food nourishes us, it gives us life, energy and pleasure. It is a fundamental biological need, but beyond that it is full of symbolic significance and social value. Food connects us regardless of age, gender, culture, and background with other parts of the world.
Roots and Recipes invites everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, to discover the fascinating science behind food, and experience not only what we eat, but how food shapes our societies, our bodies, and our future.
With a special focus on African and African diaspora food cultures, Roots and Recipes offers a unique look on the science of food, identity and belonging.
Join our event on 25-26 september and meet scientists, culinary experts, food enthusiast, artists, and many more. Or discover our educational progamme designed for teachers and pupils.
The cornerstone of Roots and Recipes is The Citizens’ Committee. It reunites six experts representing African diaspora communities, each with deep knowledge of food systems. With diverse profiles, ranging from educators to food entrepreneurs, they have played a key role in guiding the project’s decision-making processes.
The event
Children, teenagers and adults are invited to meet researchers, chefs, food experts, artists, and community members.
Together, we’ll discover the stories, traditions, and innovations behind the food we grow, prepare, and share.
From cultural heritage and health to sustainability and new food technologies, Roots and Recipes offers a unique opportunity to explore how food shapes our lives today and how it can help build a more inclusive and sustainable future for everyone.
Friday evening
25 September 2026
Start the weekend with an inspiring evening programme featuring:
- 18:00 — Doors open
- 18:30 — Screening of the documentary Roots and Plates: A Story Of Afro Food In Belgium, by Will Anderson, Mila Jones and Roger Dushime (in French with Dutch subtitles)
- 19:30 — Panel discussion in French and English, with the filmmaker(s) and food researchers moderated by Sarra El Massaoudi
- 20:30 — African Buffet – separate ticket on sale
The event is free by reservation. The ticket does not include access to the museum exhibitions – which will be closed – nor to the African buffet.
Target audience: Adults and individual visitors
Saturday afternoon
26 September 2026
Dive deeper into African food cultures through an interactive programme for visitors of all ages:
- 12:00 – 17:00 — African Food Citizen Science Fair, with demos and workshops for kids 6+
- 17:00 – 17:45 — Music concert
- 12:00 – 17:00 — African lunch or snacks by Cheffe Jumah – separate ticket on sale
The event is free by reservation. The ticket does not include access to the museum exhibitions nor to the African Lunch or Snacks.
Target audience: Kids 6+, families, adults, and individual visitors
25 & 26 september 2026
The event is free by reservation, but access to the exhibitions and any food offerings is not included.
Education
Together with the African Diaspora Community in Belgium, The botanical Garden of Meise is creating an open educational program on food science and food literacy. These activities are part of the “Researchers at Schools” program, and will link food research to pupils’ daily lives. The workshops, training modules, and citizen science classroom activities are currently being developed. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities for schools during the 2026-2027 school year.
Our partners
By bringing together scientific expertise, cultural knowledge and lived experiences, these partners create a programme in which different perspectives on food can meet, connect and inspire one another.
Contact us
Would you like to know more about the programme, accessibility, tickets or participating as a partner? Get in touch with the Roots & Recipes team. We will be happy to help.
Funding
Roots and Recipes is part of the European Researchers Night, a pan-European event funded by the European Union to bring science and society closer and heighten young people’s interest in science. It takes place in 40 countries and more than 460 cities all over Europe and beyond participate simultaneously.