Lowie Maes, 10, Becomes Belgium’s Youngest Scientist
A ten-year-old boy from Kruibeke, East Flanders, has been named Belgium’s youngest recognized scientist after winning the third edition of the ZOO Science Young Scientist competition. Lowie Maes earned the title through meticulous research on barn owl pellets, demonstrating scientific rigor that impressed a jury of professional researchers and highlighting the power of youth-driven citizen science.
A Persevering Young Researcher
Lowie’s journey to the title was not an easy one. He entered the competition three times before finally claiming victory in 2026, showcasing the perseverance that the competition seeks to encourage. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Lowie used tweezers to carefully dissect barn owl pellets, identifying and documenting each prey species he discovered with the same precision expected of professional researchers.
“We see in him the curiosity and perseverance that we are looking for,” said Jonas Verspeek, a researcher at ZOO Science, the scientific platform of ZOO Antwerpen and ZOO Planckendael that organizes the competition. Verspeek and his colleagues evaluated entries from across Flanders, searching specifically for young people who combine enthusiasm with rigorous methodology.
Scientific Methodology in Action
Lowie’s research followed the same methodology used by professional scientists studying predator-prey dynamics. He obtained his owl pellets from Kruin (Kruibeeks Natuurbehoud), a local nature conservation group, and proceeded to analyze them with patience and precision. Barn owls regurgitate pellets containing the indigestible remains of their prey—bones, fur, and feathers—making pellet analysis a standard scientific method for studying owl diets and monitoring local small mammal populations.
The ZOO Science jury praised Lowie’s thorough approach in their official statement. “Lowie conducted his research the way scientists do in practice. He worked accurately, was exceptionally motivated, and documented everything very carefully,” the jury stated. This attention to detail, combined with his genuine curiosity, set his submission apart from other entries.
A Competition for Young Minds
The ZOO Science Young Scientist competition, now in its third year, is open to children aged 8 to 12 from across Flanders. The 2026 edition ran from September 2025 to April 2026, an extended period designed to allow young researchers to conduct studies across multiple seasons—an approach that Verspeek noted allows children to work at their own pace and follow their natural curiosity.
The first two editions attracted over 500 entries combined, reflecting strong interest in science among Flemish youth. Previous winners have tackled diverse topics: the 2024 winner, Lynn Wenseleers (10) from Sint-Katelijne-Waver, researched pond biodiversity using insect netting and the ObsIdentify app, as reported by VRT NWS. Other entries have explored everything from composting worms to squirrel behavior captured on wildlife cameras.
As ZOO Antwerpen explained in its call for entries, the competition specifically seeks young people with a passion for both animals and research. “We are looking for someone with a passion for animals and for research. Someone who can enthusiastically and curiously tackle a research question,” the organization stated. “The Youngest Scientist should also be very proud of their work and want to share the research results with others. Just like our own scientists and experts.”
Prizes and Recognition
As the winner, Lowie receives more than just the title of ZOO Science Youngest Scientist 2026. His prizes include a behind-the-scenes discovery tour of the ZOO Antwerpen science center—described as the largest science center in zoos in Europe—a family season pass to both ZOO Antwerpen and ZOO Planckendael, a guided class trip for his entire school class, and a VIP day working as a real researcher at ZOO Antwerpen.
“As the science center of ZOO Antwerpen and ZOO Planckendael, we are happy to contribute to the next generations,” the organization said. “They are the scientists of the future. Their knowledge is also necessary to protect nature and its inhabitants.” The prize package is designed to nurture Lowie’s scientific curiosity and provide experiences that classroom learning alone cannot offer.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The competition’s broader mission extends beyond identifying a single winner. ZOO Science aims to foster a culture of inquiry among young people, encouraging them to ask questions about the natural world and develop the critical thinking skills essential for scientific discovery. A science festival is planned at ZOO Antwerpen during the autumn school break of 2026, where children and adults alike can explore scientific questions from the animal kingdom through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
What’s Next
Lowie’s research findings on barn owl prey species could potentially contribute to ongoing studies at ZOO Science, which monitors biodiversity and animal behavior across its sites. His achievement serves as a powerful reminder that scientific contributions can come from any age group—and that curiosity and perseverance are the most essential tools in any researcher’s kit. As Belgium celebrates its youngest scientist, the message is clear: science has no age limit, and the next breakthrough might come from the most unexpected places.