For a decade, we opened the academic year at remarkable locations across Brussels. From the Parc du Cinquantenaire to the European Parliament to the “Festival of the Free Spirit”. Each time, we highlighted our deep bond with the city in full orange, white and blue. On 23 September, we return home. On the main campus, the doors open to impressive new research infrastructure. The lens of the electron microscope this time focuses on our nucleus universitatis: science, freedom and humanity.
What can you expect?
Rector Jan Danckaert will deliver a powerful address on the importance of science, facts and humanism in tackling today’s great challenges. Scientia vincere tenebras – overcoming darkness through science – has never been more relevant. For when the sky grows dark, there are always stars to bring light. Those stars are scientists, and everyone who chooses to think and act based on knowledge.
The rector will also address the impact of artificial intelligence and how AI is fundamentally transforming our teaching and research. And this is no distant prospect: you’ll hear from leading doctors at our Health Campus in Jette how AI applications are already pushing medicine and healthcare forward – with patients as the clear winners.
Other research teams will also take the stage. Spotlights will shine on the Photonics Campus in Gooik and on groundbreaking VUB mycelium research. You will also hear the voices of our student representatives, as well as guest speakers: ULB Rector Annemie Schaus and Rector Balfour of the University of the Western Cape.
The closing words will be delivered by VUB Chair Karsten De Clerck, who together with the rector will officially open the academic year.
Porcelain id
Musical interludes will be provided by Porcelain id, the artist name of Hubert Tuyishime. Born in Rwanda and raised in Flanders, he sings in both English and Dutch.
The ceremony will be guided smoothly by Annabelle Van Nieuwenhuyse, who will ensure everything runs on time so you can join the campus tours immediately afterwards.
In short: a powerful and varied start to the academic year. Stimulating, inspiring, and entirely dedicated to openness, connectedness and humanism.