“A rectorship always stands on the foundations of the previous one and can only succeed if an entire community works together – with or without different visions. My first term was firmly directed outward and we were very successful in taking our research and education outside. Internally, in the same way, in my second term I want to push our community to be radically humanist, radically sustainable and radically digital, with simplified administration and strengthened leadership,” she says.
“Secondly, I want to put VUB in the picture as a research university. We must present ourselves as a research university with the Sustainable Development Goals in mind.
“Thirdly, Europe is creating a new league of universities, and we want to be part of that. We are a European university – we are in the EUTOPIA network. With this internationalisation, we want to sharpen our education: research-driven education whereby we motivate our young people to be investigative and curious in life.”
The official nomination process begins in mid-January. Nominations are open until 29 February, and the election takes place in April. The term of office begins at the start of the academic year, lasts four years and can be renewed once.
The rector will be elected by professors and associate professors who are full-time permanent staff members. Academic staff, administrative-technical staff and students are eligible to vote, as are the hospital staff of UZ Brussel.
