What will higher education look like in the future? How will artificial intelligence, diversity, internationalisation and changing student profiles shape the university of tomorrow? And how can we ensure that education remains high-quality, inclusive and manageable to study at the same time?
During VUB Education Day 2026, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and its educational community will bring together researchers, lecturers, students and policymakers around one central question: how can we prepare our degree programmes for 2030?
The day will open with a plenary session in which Vice-Rector for Education Nadine Engels will outline the framework for future-oriented education at the VUB. This will be followed by a moderated panel discussion on the key challenges facing sustainable and future-proof university education.
The programme will then continue with six interactive parallel sessions focusing on innovation, practical educational initiatives and examples from the field. Topics will include the role of generative AI and digital learning platforms, learning-oriented assessment, diversity-sensitive education, peer learning, study guidance and interdisciplinary collaboration. Throughout the afternoon, experts, lecturers and students will discuss current themes such as the impact of AI on learning and assessment, new forms of guidance and tutoring, inclusive curricula and student success, international and co-creative learning environments, and the programmes and skills students will need as they move towards 2030.
The closing address will be delivered by Rector Jan Danckaert, who will reflect on how education must fundamentally adapt to a rapidly changing world without losing its human, critical and democratic values.