VUB is a dynamic environment for both young, creative researchers and world-renowned experts. It is a place where professors and students are given the freedom to think, research and innovate. That freedom cannot be taken for granted. We must protect and nurture it. Despite research funding from various sources, there are still bottlenecks. Your contribution gives independent thinkers financial breathing space. This results in creative, innovative solutions that benefit society as a whole.
With a gift to the Support Fund you support...
Young researchers
Young researchers at the start of their careers often do not qualify for larger research grants. Not only with the financial elbow room to spread their wings can they come up with innovative solutions to new societal challenges. The VUB Scientific Support Fund supports these young researchers, thus investing in the society of tomorrow.
Interdisciplinary research
Additional support is also needed for interdisciplinary research. The most valuable breakthroughs today occur at the interface of related disciplines, or by bringing together knowledge from very dissimilar ones. Independent, interdisciplinary research is indispensable for the survival of our society.
Science awards
Science awards
About the science awards
In 2025, the VUB launched a new awards policy for research, in collaboration with the Scientific Support Fund. In addition to the existing Roger Van Geen Prize for exceptional scientific careers and the Ignace Vanderschueren Prize for doctoral work, which are already awarded by the Vice-Rectorate for Research, there are seven new prizes named after VUB pioneers from the past. With this policy, the university aims to recognise excellent scientific work at every stage of a scientific career.
Science awards
Life Sciences
- Hilde Bruers*
Basic, Natural and Applied Sciences
- Ingrid Daubechies°
Human Sciences
- Paul De Vroede°
* Awarded every other year from 2026 onwards
° Awarded every other year from 2027 onwards
Science awards
Life Sciences
- Liebaers-Van Steirteghem*
Basic, Natural and Applied Sciences
- Franz Bingen*
Human Sciences
- Els Witte°
* Awarded every other year from 2026 onwards
° Awarded every other year from 2027 onwards
Science awards
Cross-domain
- Sylvain Loccufier*
* Awarded every other year from 2026 onwards
° Awarded every other year from 2027 onwards
Science awards
Procedure
The Roger Van Geen, Hilde Bruers, Liebaert-Van Steirteghem, Franz Bingen and Sylvain Locufier prizes will be awarded every two years from 2026 onwards. The Ignace Vanderscheuren, Paul De Vroede, Els Witte and Ingrid Daubechies prizes will follow the same schedule from 2027 onwards. The call for applications will be made in September, with 15 December as the deadline for submissions. Applications will be assessed by the Research Council Bureau or by an ad hoc committee (for the Sylvain Loccufier Prize). The Scientific Support Fund will make its decision by 30 March at the latest, and the awards will be presented before 30 May.
The prize money is €5,000 for young researchers and €10,000 for mid-career researchers, in each case in the form of a working credit. The Sylvain Loccufier Prize does not come with a cash prize, but with a work of art.
Donate now and make all the difference!
Donate online or by bank transfer to the account number BE51 0013 6779 3562 of VUB with the reference GIFT 167. Donations from € 40 are tax-deductible.
