The events will take place around the VUB’s Doctor Honoris Causa, which will be awarded to two prominent individuals who have played a major role in the refugee situation in Europe, as well as more generally in humanitarian activities: Dr Emma Bonino and the people of the Island of Lampedusa (represented by Dr Pietro Bartolo).

The general theme throughout the events is “people in conflict situations, youth at risk, refugees”, and how institutions of higher education can play an important role in the integration process, as well as contribute on a research level on issues related to refugees and migration. 

More photos of the conference and Doctor Honoris Causa Day are available on the VUB Flickr account.

Several articles are available online in VUB Today following the conference and award ceremony:

• An interview with honorary doctor Emma Bonino prior to the conference and ceremony.
• A general account on the motivation behind the honorary doctorates being awarded to Dr Pietro Bartolo and the people of Lampedusa, and Emma Bonino.
• A visual account on why the people of Lampedusa were selected for the award.
• The film booth by Scholars at Risk, protecting scholars all over the world and defending academic freedom and managing risk, which is on the main campus until 12 January 2018, showing Felix's story.
• Also have a look at the video by Prof dr Sonja Snacken, Vice Rector International Relations, who is the proxima of both honorary doctors. She explains why these two were selected for the award.

The programme of the day is available.

Photos by Teun Voeten and The Humans of Syria group will also be on display throughout the day.

Tuesday 28 November 2017, from 18.30-22.30: Doctor Honoris Cause dinner in partnerships with Dine with US - by invitation only

Wednesday 29 November 2017, from 09:00-17:00 (registrations open at 8.15am)

Full day conference and VUB Doctor Honoris Causa ceremony @ Flagey, Brussels. Registrations will start at 8.15am. The conference will start at 9:00. The day will be a mix of speeches, presentations, videos, the Honorary Doctorates Award ceremony, music and singing, and panel discussions.

The programme of the day is available.

Thursday 30 November 2017, from 12:00-14:00

An interactive workshop "Promoting higher education values in turbulent times" with Robert Quinn, Executive Director Scholars at Risk Network @ VUB Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus in Etterbeek, Brussels. Please note that in relation to Scholars at Risk, VUB is currently hosting a film booth featuring the story of Felix Kaputu, who obtained his PhD at VUB earlier this year. The film booth is at infopunt, building D on the main VUB Campus, from 24 November 2017 till 12 January 2018.