On 3 June, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) presented 24 new fellows during a formal ceremony at the University Foundation in Brussels. These are inspiring individuals from the world of business, science, media, culture, and civil society. Over the next three years, they will share their vision, knowledge, and experience with the university. In doing so, they help bridge science, education, and society, and strengthen the societal impact of the VUB. A report on a festive evening full of encounters and engagement.
Rector Jan Danckaert outlined the broader context in which universities operate today: a world in transition, marked by uncertainty but also new opportunities. From climate change and geopolitics to artificial intelligence — no major topic was left unaddressed.
“The world needs you,”
he called on the new fellows and invited them to join the VUB in building a fairer, more sustainable future for the next generations.
Peter Schelkens, Vice-Rector for Innovation and Industry Relations and coordinator of the fellowship programme, built on that message. He highlighted the unique role of the fellows as bridge-builders between the academic world and society.
“Fellows help make ideas from the academic world concrete and tangible: they coach students, support researchers, and contribute critically to policy discussions. In doing so, they actively bring the university into dialogue with society.”
The official inauguration took place through short videos in which each nominator, also known as the proximus, introduced their nominated fellow. The videos, recorded in the recently renovated modernist Braem Building on the VUB campus, symbolically bridged the festive ceremony with the academic home base of the university.
The gifts also carried meaning: each new fellow received a small version of Enkidu, the bronze sculpture standing in front of the Rectorate building, created by artist Paul Van Gysegem. Van Gysegem, who is celebrating his 90th birthday this week, was honored during the evening.
Two newly appointed fellows and VUB alumni, Carine Lucas and Alexander De Croo, also took the floor.
Science fellow Carine Lucas, expert in digital transformation at Agoria, delivered a passionate plea for more STEM education in a society that increasingly embraces digitalisation and technological progress, yet often still struggles to fully understand it:
“Technology is part of the real world. It is we — business leaders, academics, policymakers, citizens — who decide what we do with it, not the other way around.”
Alexander De Croo, mayor of Brakel, offered a thoughtful and personal reflection titled “Certainty is overrated.” Doubt, he argued, is not the enemy of progress but rather its driving force:
“Certainty is overrated. Never stop doubting. I do it constantly, and it has led me to better insights and better decisions.”
The musical interludes by Roufaida brought quiet, reflective moments between the speeches. With her unique blend of acoustic and electronic sounds, she struck just the right chord. The evening ended on a festive note with a networking reception, where fellows, guests, and staff could meet informally.
VUB Fellows 2025
