“With humanistic values as our guiding principle and ideological basis we can map today's major issues. Science offers their solutions. These values are man-made and if we do not continue to strive for their betterment, they can be lost." - Rector Caroline Pauwels
VUB. Every donation returns.
The VUB Foundation raises philanthropic funds from companies, organisations, institutions and individuals within the framework of the department TechTransfer of the Vicerectorate of Innovation & Industry Relations. The VUB Foundation coordinates all fundraising at the VUB under the supervision of the Innovation and Valorisation Board.
The policy of the VUB Foundation is based on the conviction that for each philanthropic donation, there is a societal return. Each contribution supports education, research, innovation or the heritage of the VUB. The knowledge and insights that arise from these contributions, eventually flow back into our society.

How can I help?
Since 1969 VUB contributes to knowledge, innovation, technology, education and research. We want to continue playing that role. That is why we need your support. That is how you invest in society and help the world advance. You can contribute in whichever way suits you best.
Create your own academic chair
POSITION YOUR ORGANISATION AS A PIONEER IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH & EDUCATION
Invest in knowledge
Make the difference through a project
FIND A PROJECT THAT FITS YOU PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY
Invest in tomorrow’s society
Translate your personal motives into a fund
Link your name to an earmarked purpose
Invest in your passion
An impact on the future, even when you’re no longer here
ENABLE INNOVATIVE RESEARCH THROUGH YOUR WILL
Invest in your legacy
Invest in innovation and be a pioneer in your field!
When entrepreneurs and scientists cooperate, everyone wins. And VUB can grow and invest sustainably. Your organisation will get name recognition and gain expertise through the research that you support. Discover how we can work together and what chances you help create.
Discover how we grow thanks to your support
The VUB Foundation is committed to providing moral guarantees for fundraising and to guaranteeing the transparency of the accounts. Discover our code of conduct and financial management here.
Investing in the VUB pays off. Discover the annual results of the VUB Foundation here. The result of our networking, the efforts and support of individuals, companies and sympathisers.
TIP
A DONATION TO VUB, PERHAPS AS AN IDEA FOR A CELEBRATION OR CEREMONY? MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ASK NOT TO GIVE FLOWERS OR PRESENTS FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION, BUT RATHER TO DONATE TO CHARITY. THAT WAY YOU AVOID UNWANTED PRESENTS AND YOU SUPPORT A PROJECT THAT IS DEAR TO YOU. FURTHERMORE YOU WILL KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR EFFORTS HAVE AMOUNTED TO SO YOU CAN PERSONALLY THANK YOUR DONORS.
Want to know more? Contact us
CHAIRS
In a partnership with VUB you help shape your own expertise center. We include your company and your employees in guest lectures, workshops, discussion forums and symposia. Create a chair and contribute to your own innovation and development. Or translate your vision into a societal accent.
You will reap maximum benefits from the fundamental research and through your chair your organisation will gain relevant knowledge. You partake in the societal debate and stimulate research and development in your name.
Structural partnerships
A chair is an ideal way to create a partnership between your organisation and VUB. This way you you can broaden the research for your company by using the extensive expertise of the various VUB research groups. On the other hand VUB will have the chance to test insights and hypotheses in practice thanks to the cooperation with your company. That allows us to become structural partners in the long run.
VUB focuses on active research chair policy
This way our research contributes to economic and social growth. At the same time your organisation reaps the benefits of the image of our university, the expertise of our scientists, the results of their research and the strength of our network of partners, alumni and opinion leaders in numerous fields.
Please consult our chair brochure for more information. Do not hestitate to contact us for more information about a VUB chair. Discover the conditions for a chair and let us evaluate you project right now.

Overview chairs
VUB chairs with partners & chair holders:
- Chair Mireille Aerens for alternative research methods without laboratory animals
- Emeritus prof. dr. Vera Rogiers
- Chair Casterman & Hamers: History and Philosophy of Sciences
- Emeritus prof. dr. Jean Paul Van Bendegem
- Chair De Berekuyl - Exercise Immunology & Chronic Fatigue in Health and Disease
- Prof. dr. Jo Nijs
- Chair Fatima Mernissi
- Prof. dr. Iman Lechkar
- Chair Infrabel Railways
- Prof. dr. ir. Philippe Lataire
- Chair International and European Data Privacy and Security Law
- Prof. dr. Christopher Kuner
- Chair Clinical Senior Citizen Psychology
- Prof. dr. Bas Van Alphen
- Chair Data Protection On The Ground
- Prof. dr. Jo Pierson
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Chair in Infrastructure Asset Management & Life-Cycle Panning
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Prof. dr. Elvira Haezendonck
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- SOMT Chair Clinical Anatomy
- Prof. dr. Erik Cattrysse
- Chair Nobel Biocare
- Prof. dr. Jan Cosyn
- Chair of Social Entrepreneurship
- Prof. dr. Nikolay Dentchev
- Medtronic Chair
- Prof. dr. Carlo de Asmundis
- Chair Thermo-Mechanical Innovation for Fluid Machinery
- Prof. dr. ir.Björn Verrelst
- Chair Smart Cities
- Prof. dr. Pieter Ballon
- Chair Fundamental rights and the digital transformation
- Prof. dr. Paul De Hert
- Chair End of Life Care
- Prof. dr. Wim Distelmans
- Chair Andullation Care Research
- Prof. dr. Nele Adriaenssens
- VBO-FEB VUB-ULB Chair: Transitioning Belgian companies into Circularity
- Prof. dr. Cathy Macharis
- Chair Asia-Pacific Studies
- Prof. dr. Kim Van der Borght
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Chair Personalisation, Trust and Sustainable Media
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Prof. dr. Karen Donders
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Prof. dr. Serge Gutwirth
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Hamamatsu Applied Photonics Innovation Chair
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Prof. dr. ir. Hugo Thienpont
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Chair Media in a Society in Transition
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Prof. dr. Karen Donders
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Prof. dr. Elke Van Hoof
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VUB chairs by Name:
- Chair Emile Lorand
- Chair Gommaar Van Oosterwijck
- Chair Willy Calewaert
- Chair Emile Verhaeren
- Chair Vloebergs
- Chair VUB
Honorary chairs by name:
- Chair Francqui
- Chair UNESCO - Cultural Heritage
- Chair IES - South Korea
- Chair UNESCO - Adult Education
Take a share in progress, participate in a new VUB project
Giving is receiving. That is how we at VUB Foundation think about your donation. Professors and students at VUB aim to improve society in an economic, scientific and - particularly - human way. Through your investment you partake in sustainable and structural solutions for all members of our society. Together we make progress happen.

FabLab – A creative hub at the heart of VUB
Six years ago VUB started the construction of its own creative workshop. A place where engineering students could operate all machines free of charge for five days a week. Six years later our FabLab is a central part of the course that has the motto Prototypes! not powerpoints. Now, other students and creative locals find their way to the open laboratory too. To further expand this maker space, we need more space. That is why the FabLab is moving to a new location, centrally located on Campus Etterbeek and it continues to build at the open, multidisciplinary workspace that will be open to all VUB students and the rest of Brussels.
Will you build with us? Make a donation to the FabLab here.

Arabic language courses - A culture starts with your own identity
Almost 350.000 inhabitants of Brussels are of Arabic descent. VUB is fortunate enough to be situated in Brussels, but we also have the responsibility to tackle the challenges inherent to a metropolitan context with our knowledge and insights. With education project VUB offers children between 6 and 15 a neutral platform to get an indepth understanding of Arabic language and culture. Through a scientifically substantiated learning platform VUB wants to support identity-building and social integration of children. Since we are firm believers that different cultures lead to more respect and tolerance.
Do you believe it too? Support the project here.

Restoration of the rectorate building
The rectorate building at Vrije Universiteit Brussel is the symbol of the values of our university. Government subsidies are not adequate to fully fund the refurbishment works. That is why VUB is looking for partners who want to restore this masterpiece of architect Renaat Braem in all its glory, with respect for the initial vision of the artistic master builder himself.
More info about this valuable project can be found here.
Your benefit
VUB is very much in tune with what is going on in society. It pledges its knowledge and insights for the benefit of that society and the challenges that a metropolitan context entails. This can be found in all the projects that originate at VUB. Every project needs to have a positive impact on society. And you can strenghten that impact. By supporting a VUB project as an individual or organisation.
As a donor to the VUB Foundation you furthermore invest in your own network. Because your support to our university comes with all the benefits of our elaborate knowledge platform.
You decide where to invest and VUB gives you societal growth in return. We will keep you informed on the progress of the project and for all donations above €40 you will recieve a tax certificate.
VUB. EVERY DONATION RETURNS.

An impact on the future, even when you are no longer here
Even after your death you can still make a difference for others. When you include VUB in your will, you are guaranteed that your estate will create added value to society. You can support VUB through a donation or a bequest in your will.
Imagine: you pass away without a will. There is only a distant heir - e.g. a cousin - resulting in a loss of 60 to 85% of your estate to inheritance tax. What a shame, to see your carefully established fortune vanish into thin air.
By including VUB - a certified charity - in your will you enjoy a fiscally advantageous tarif. That allows you to invest the majority of your fortune in what you deem important. A bequest can exist of a sum of money or objects, equity instruments, art works, real estate... Hereby you strengthen new initiatives of VUB based on your personal interest.
Do you wish to bequeath your estate to VUB? Draw up a testament that describes the nature of your donation. We will consequently make sure - together with you, your loved ones and financial or legal advisor - that your legacy has the impact it deserves.
You determine the beneficiary of your donation yourself. You can e.g. bequeath someting to a faculty, a research group or a certain research field. Through your will you can also create a fund in your name or support an existing fund.

Consult the VUB-Yamina Krossa fund for more information about the research of prof. dr. Damya Laoui.

Duo legate: benefit for your heirs and a donation to VUB
In your will you can leave a portion of your legacy to the university. You can - without disadvantaging your heirs - make a donation to VUB. The principle of a duo legate is simple. As the name suggests, a duo legate consists of two legacies. You leave a sum or a property to your heirs ánd another sum to VUB. The university not only its own inheritance tax, but also that of your heirs. Your inheritors do not need to pay inheritance tax themselves and are left with more.
This way you maximize your legacy:
You support a good cause and insure societal progress through research and innovation ánd you make sure that your heirs are left with more net inheritance!

VUB Caroline Pauwels Relief Fund for students
When students face financial, matierial, social or psychological problems, talent, effort and dedication do not suffice to obtain a diploma. To guarantee equal education opportunities, rector Caroline Pauwels launches a Relief Fund for students.

VUB Yamina Krossa Fund
The innovative work of prof. dr. Damya Laoui and her team (VUB-VIB) is considered a breakthrough in the medical world. Their new technique slows the growth of cancer cells without attacking the healthy cells. Laoui hopes to bring her findings to a clinical trial soon.

VUB-UZB Paul De Knop Fund
Prof. dr. Bart Neyns and his colleagues of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences have made remarkable strides in the battle against cancer with a new treatment, i.e. immunotherapy. Research into immunotherapy is progressing at a rapid pace. The survival rates with forms of cancer where is used as a treatment form are often higher than in the past. Yet more fundamental and clinical research is needed.

VUB Scientific Support Fund
Support multidisciplinary scientific pioneering and let research be truly free. Your contribution gives financial breathing room to independent thinkers. And that results in creative, innovative solutions that benefit the entire society. This fund organizes a seminar on a biannual basis where important scientific discoveries and their potential impact on society are presented. Its objective is to raise €25.000 per year for academic awards and the organization of seminars.

VUB Casman & Michielsens Fund
Notaries are crucial during the most important moments in our lives. But the education of notaries is under pressure. Your support is essential for the continued development of notararial expertise.

VUB Luc Bucquoye Fund
This fund was established by Luc Bucquoye and the VUB Foundation. Its objective is to encourage multidisciplinary research at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The faculty of Arts and Philosophy hands out the Luc Bucquoye-prize, i.e. the VUB-literature prize, to the author of a Dutch literary work on an annual basis.

VUB Andrée and Franz Bingen Fund
The main objective of the Fund Andrée and Franz Bingen is to finance the annual Honours Essay Prize (€500) and a scholarship (€1000) that is granted twice per year to students by the Vesalius College.

VUB Fund for natural sciences in society
The Fund for natural sciences in society supports the Solvay Science project, the STEM Support Point Brussels and the department of Physics and Astronomy of the VUB.

AVN Fund
The AVN Fund offers a PhD scholarship within the research field of nuclear safety and radiation protection every four years.

VUB Foundation Team
The VUB Foundation team is ready to answer all your questions about projects, research chairs, funds and research at VUB. Together with you we examine how and which project you would invest in best. Thereby you can always count on our discretion and professionalism.