The beSPACE Award for Team of the Year 2018 went to the TRAPPIST team of ULiège for performing bold and innovative research that brings space science closer to the people. The discovery of seven Earth-sized exoplanets, out of which three could have the right conditions for life, has been awe-inspiring on many different levels. Not only did the team successfully tackle many scientific and engineering challenges along the way, it also coordinated an international network of partners and steered them toward the accomplishment of a common goal. The team’s efforts led to one of the most remarkable exoplanet discoveries in recent memory, exciting researchers and the general public alike and starting an avalanche of scientific and popular articles, documentaries, paintings, comics, and so on. On top of that, the work of the team has also significantly contributed to the reputation of Belgium in the global space sector.
