Caroline Pauwels (1964–2022) was Rector of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) from 2016 until shortly before her death. Through her visionary and inclusive leadership, she inspired the entire university community. As a columnist, author and sought-after media commentator, she was an influential voice in society. Caroline Pauwels championed genuine curiosity, respectful dialogue and openness towards others, rejecting polarisation.
In 2026–2027, the Caroline Pauwels Lectures will be organised in partnership with cultural venue Flagey, with VUB historian and geopolitics expert Koert Debeuf as curator.