Jan Danckaert, rector of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), has been elected chair of the board of EUTOPIA, a network of ten European universities from ten EU Member States and the United Kingdom. The election took place during a meeting of EUTOPIA rectors. Jan Danckaert: "The European Universities Alliances, of which EUTOPIA is one, are becoming increasingly important. Leading voices in Europe are promoting science and knowledge as the fifth freedom, alongside the free movement of goods, services, people and capital."
EUTOPIA gives students and researchers the opportunity to collaborate across borders. ‘Through connected communities, many VUB students gain a unique European learning experience,’ says Jan Danckaert. As the new chair, the VUB rector will help shape the future plans of the EUTOPIA network and further strengthen cooperation between the institutions. His election is a recognition of his vision on academic freedom, international cooperation and the role of universities in a changing society.
"As Vice-Rector for Education and Student Affairs in Rector Caroline Pauwels" team, I was involved in the creation of Eutopia and the connected communities," says Jan Danckaert.
Two years ago, the VUB's academic opening session took place in the European Parliament, in the presence of all EUTOPIA partners and their rectors.
"As the VUB, we are increasingly positioning ourselves as a European university," concludes Jan Danckaert.