Science under the pine tree: 7 smart gifts for free spirits

1. Saint V pure chocolate

The unique VUB chocolate tastes bitter, slightly acidic and strikingly fruity. The secret? A controlled fermentation process in the Fermented Food Pilot Plant, where carefully selected micro-organisms produce esters. These are organic compounds that release aromas of strawberry, apple and banana. (Price: €5.40 each)

To the webshop  The science behind the chocolate

2. An evening with American historian Timothy Snyder

On 16 January, Snyder will give a lecture on freedom, organised by VUB and Bozar. How can we understand freedom, not just as a right, but also as a responsibility? What can the past teach us about resisting the decay of democracy? An original year-end gift for anyone interested in freedom, democracy, and today’s world. (Tickets: €10–€14)

Info and purchase More events on the public programme

3. Saint V beer

The Saint V beers from VUB combine traditional Belgian brewing with scientific precision. From the crisp Darolus Tripel to the fruity-sour Darolus Sour Blend, each beer is the result of controlled fermentation in the Fermented Food Pilot Plant. Using a new, unique production process, researchers have even developed a Sour Ale: a tart-fruity flavour somewhere between tripel and lambic, achieved in just twenty days instead of years. (Price: from €6.50 for a bottle of Darolus Tripel)

To the webshop The science behind the beer

4. Book “Braem – VUB: Temple of Sciences”

This richly illustrated book is a tribute to visionary architect Renaat Braem, who, like VUB, championed an open and tolerant worldview and free research.
The reader is taken on a journey through the university’s history, the challenges Braem faced to get his designs for the rectorate building approved, stories of symbolism and the vulnerability of modernist architecture, and the search for solutions to preserve Braem’s original intentions even 50 years later. (Price: €29.99)

To the webshop  The renovated Braem building

5. VUB thermal underwear

Stay comfortably warm during the festive and winter days with the thermal set from the Swedish brand Craft, while also supporting the VUB YES I DO campaign: together, we turn the thermostat down by one degree to save energy.

The set includes a long-sleeve T-shirt and long pants, available in men’s or women’s models. Black, high-quality, and 20% cheaper than the usual market price. (Price: €39.95 per set)

To the webshop

6. Book ‘Free Spirits’ (in Dutch)

In the book Vrije Geesten from VUB, 32 scientists and opinion leaders share what the ‘V’ of Freedom means to them—in their work, their field, and their lives. Inspiring, insightful, and an invitation to view the world critically and freely.

A year-end gift that sparks curiosity and reflection. (Price: temporarily €10 – normally €14.95)

To the webshop

7. VUB decorative lamp

Light up your workspace, study corner, or festive table with the 3D-printed VUB table lamp. Just as science overcomes darkness, this lamp illuminates your free ideas. Elegantly finished with details from the iconic wall drawings by Braem in VUB’s rectorate building, it’s the perfect gift for critical minds. (Price: €69.95 each)

To the webshop The story behind the lamp