On Friday 6 June, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel awarded four honorary doctorates. The recipients: philosopher and animal rights pioneer Peter Singer, linguist Terttu Nevalainen, climate scientist Joeri Rogelj, and child welfare expert John D. Fluke. VUB Rector Jan Danckaert called them “four outstanding individuals who have left a deep mark on science, society, and the way we confront the major challenges of our time.”

DHC Peter Singer

Peter Singer

Peter Singer: Moral Clarity as a Compass

Peter Singer is a highly influential Australian philosopher and bioethicist, best known for his groundbreaking work on animal rights and applied ethics. A professor at Princeton University, he tackles ethical questions from a utilitarian perspective, with reducing suffering at the heart of his thinking. His 1975 book Animal Liberation marked a turning point in the global animal rights movement.

Singer is also known for his bold and often controversial views on poverty, euthanasia and moral responsibility. He co-founded the Journal of Controversial Ideas, defending freedom of expression in academic debate. A vocal humanist and atheist, he was named Australian Humanist of the Year in 2004. His influence stretches far beyond the ivory tower – he is widely recognised as one of today’s most important thinkers.

The laudation for Peter Singer was delivered by VUB professor Ike Picone, who described him as a thinker who brings philosophy into the real world. “By removing every excuse for looking the other way, for dodging moral responsibility, by opening up the uncomfortable conversation, Singer helps our conscience reclaim its rightful place in the public debate,” Picone said.

Terttu Nevalainen: A Pioneer in Language and History

Prof. Dr. Emerita Terttu Nevalainen (1952) is a world authority in historical sociolinguistics. She broke new ground with her quantitative and corpus-based approaches to language change and gave a voice to forgotten linguistic communities in the history of English. Her work sparked a methodological shift across the field of English linguistics. She also stands out as one of the few women to reach the top of a traditionally male-dominated discipline.

Terttu Nevalainen

Prof. dr. em. Terttu Nevalainen

“The decision to honour Terttu Nevalainen is based on two reasons,” said VUB professors Wim Vandenbussche and Rik Vosters. “Her pioneering role in historical sociolinguistics and her invaluable contribution to research closely aligned with our own at VUB.”

Joeri Rogelj

Prof. dr. ir. Joeri Rogelj (on the right)

Joeri Rogelj: Science in Service of Humanity

Prof. Dr. Ir. Joeri Rogelj is a leading Belgian climate scientist and professor at Imperial College London, where he also serves as research director at the Grantham Institute. He earned his PhD in climate science in 2013 at ETH Zurich, the world’s leading university for earth sciences. His work at the crossroads of science and policy has had a major impact on the Paris Climate Agreement.

Rogelj developed key models and scenarios for carbon budgets and temperature goals – including the widely cited 2016 Nature study on the failure of climate pledges. He is one of the youngest and most influential lead authors for the IPCC and was Coordinating Lead Author for the 1.5°C report (2018). With more than 75,000 citations and 69 publications in top journals, he is recognised as a ‘Highly Cited Researcher’.

“His exceptional academic profile and massive societal impact are a prime example of science working for a sustainable future and the greater good,” said VUB professor Wim Thiery.

John D. Fluke: Using Data to Uphold Children’s Rights

Prof. Dr. John D. Fluke is a professor and Associate Director at the Kempe Centre, University of Colorado. He is internationally recognised for pioneering the use of administrative data to guide policy in child welfare. His expertise spans risk assessment, cost analysis and outcome measurement.

Fluke bridges academic research and hands-on practice. He has held leadership roles in NGOs and international networks and serves on the boards of both the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and the European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care.

John Fluke

Prof. dr. John D. Fluke

“With over 80 peer-reviewed publications and several standard works, he’s a key figure in the field of child welfare and protection,” said VUB professor Johan Vanderfaeillie. “His work plays a vital role in improving global understanding of child maltreatment.”

Final Words on Behalf of the Honorary Doctors

Joeri Rogelj spoke on behalf of all four honorary doctors to close the ceremony. He expressed gratitude for the recognition and addressed young researchers and policymakers directly: “Our generation has both the opportunity and the responsibility to make a difference. Time is short, but hope is justified.” His call for evidence-based climate action, driven by both science and commitment, was a powerful ending to a meaningful ceremony.
 

*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.