The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) are joining forces for a joint honorary ceremony at Bozar. This year, the two sister universities will honour five outstanding voices from the cultural life of our capital: Lize Spit, Amélie Nothomb, François Schuiten, Paul Van Haver (Stromae) and Eddy Vermeulen (Ever Meulen).
This exceptional event celebrates the artistic strength and social imagination that define Brussels. The five laureates embody the diversity, freedom and engagement that make our city so unique — values that have connected the VUB and ULB since their founding.
“With these honorary doctorates, we not only honour extraordinary individuals but also the free, innovative and engaged spirit that animates Brussels and its sister universities,” said the rectors of VUB and ULB.
The laureates
Lize Spit
VUB and ULB are honouring author Lize Spit for her literary achievements and her engagement in the cultural and social life of Brussels. Her novels, which explore deeply personal themes such as identity, family and vulnerability, have reached a wide readership and enriched public debate. As a lecturer and columnist, she embodies reflection, expression and education – values at the heart of both universities.
Amélie Nothomb
Writer Amélie Nothomb receives the joint honorary doctorate in recognition of her distinctive literary voice. Freedom, precision, sensitivity and independence characterise her work, which reflects the values of free expression, critical thought and intellectual curiosity. Brussels occupies a central place in her writing, often emerging as a living character in itself – familiar, contradictory and always in motion.
Paul Van Haver (Stromae)
Through the joint honorary doctorate for Paul Van Haver, better known as Stromae, the universities acknowledge the power and impact of an artistic voice. His work unites music, image and emotion in a language that speaks universally. Stromae’s art represents freedom of creation, authenticity and the courage to transform social tensions into art. Multilingual and multifaceted Brussels remains his endless source of inspiration.
François Schuiten
Visual artist François Schuiten is honoured for his exceptional artistic contribution and his ability to create worlds where imagination and reality meet. His work transcends disciplines and eras, invites us to think differently and offers a critical perspective on society. For Schuiten, Brussels is a recurring universe – a city of lines, perspectives and dreams.
Eddy Vermeulen (Ever Meulen)
Visual artist Eddy Vermeulen receives the honorary doctorate for his outstanding contribution to the visual arts and his role as a visual ambassador of Brussels. His work captures the city’s soul – its layers, contrasts and charm – blending nostalgia with modernity. Through his art, Vermeulen has portrayed Brussels in a distinctive and critical way, contributing to its cultural identity.
The ceremony
The ceremony will take place on Thursday 4 December 2025 at 7.30 p.m. at Bozar. It will bring together two universities, one city and five remarkable artists — in a celebration of freedom, imagination and engagement.