The University Association Brussels organises the Students' Speakers Corner again on 30 April at the LIC, ahead of World Press Freedom Day. Students from VUB, EhB, ULB and other institutions can deliver a five-minute speech, with preparation through masterclass and coaching sessions. Participants may also deliver their speech at HORST Festival in Vilvoorde.
View on LinkedInRector Jan Danckaert joins the board of UNITAR | CIFAL Flanders, responsible for training and research under the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. VUB contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals through scientific research, education and individual commitment.
View on LinkedInThe rectors' conferences of Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain call on European institutions to include respect for human rights as an explicit condition in the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10, 2028–2034). Organisations involved in serious violations should be excludable.
View on LinkedInOn Sunday 15 March, VUB welcomed some 2,000 visitors during the first open day this spring. Prospective students, parents and interested visitors found their way to the campuses in Etterbeek and Jette to discover programmes, ask questions and experience the atmosphere of the university.
Read moreResearch partner Technische Universität Dresden has been re-awarded University of Excellence status in Germany's most demanding academic competition. Vice-Rector for Research Pieter Ballon highlights the importance of this network of top universities for VUB.
View on LinkedInVUB, with support from the Helios Foundation, opens four US Collaboration Research Chairs in climate, sustainability and well-being. The programme offers US-based researchers whose work has been constrained by current geopolitical circumstances a stable environment to continue their research and build new international collaborations.
View on LinkedInULB and VUB open the second call of IRIS – Interdisciplinary Research in Societal Challenges, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon Europe). In total, 36 international researchers will be recruited for a 30-month research stay in Brussels. Deadline: 30 June 2026.
View on LinkedInThe five Flemish rectors gathered for two days in Alden Biesen to develop a joint vision on the European and Flemish productivity and competitiveness agenda. Jan Danckaert: "Great to work together with great colleagues."
View on LinkedInJan Danckaert attended the prestigious Ernest Solvay Prize 2026 ceremony honouring Prof. Xiaowei Zhuang (Harvard) for her pioneering work in genome-scale imaging. "Fundamental science is at the basis of exciting new developments in imaging, self-healing materials and new treatments."
View on LinkedInJan Danckaert endorses criticism of funding cuts that disproportionately hit Brussels education. Stricter study grant conditions also affect students. In his academic opening address, he asked whether Flanders is abandoning Brussels — a question that remains unanswered.
View on LinkedInFor International Women's Day, VUB launches the 'She is Science' campaign with portraits by Lieve Blancquaert. Jan Danckaert: "A statement I can only endorse", with a personal tribute to Irina Veretennicoff and Caroline Pauwels, two remarkable women who shaped his academic career.
View on LinkedInJan Danckaert welcomed Prof. Mieke Vandenbroucke (University of Antwerp) as Francqui Chair holder at VUB. The topic, language and identity, is particularly relevant in multilingual Brussels.
View on LinkedInTrade Mission VUB connects students with international partners. This year, a team heads to Bangalore to explore sustainable tourism and social impact, academic entrepreneurship in practice.
View on LinkedInProf. Alexander Mattelaer (Brussels School of Governance) has been appointed as Director of Defence Policy at Belgian Defence, a recognition of VUB expertise in European security.
View on LinkedInAs chair of EUTOPIA, Jan Danckaert opened the Languages Week with a welcome address, followed by a plenary lecture by Prof. Ingrid Piller (Macquarie University) on multilingualism and migration.
View on LinkedInRector Jan Danckaert and Vice-Rector Karin Vanderkerken led a mission to Cape Town, visiting Stellenbosch University and the University of the Western Cape. The mission combined academic diplomacy with exploring the innovation ecosystem in the Western Cape.
View on LinkedInJan Danckaert publishes the final policy plan for the 2026 rector election. The plan starts from three convictions, provides an honest assessment of achievements and shortcomings, and formulates sharp priorities for 2026–2030.
VUB embedded AI as a cross-cutting lever during the past policy period. From scanning 4,684 courses for AI fraud risk to AI-assisted appeal cases: the approach combines ambition with realism. AI does not replace people, it strengthens what people do.
Jan Danckaert addressed staff, students and alumni of VUB in an open letter. He asks for the trust of the university community to enter the next phase: with continuity, sharpness and shared responsibility.
Jan Danckaert has officially submitted his candidacy for a second term as rector of Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The rector election takes place in the spring of 2026.
More updates will follow during the campaign period.