Robert Quinn (°)
Profession: Executive Director of the Scholars at Risk
Nationality: American
Why an honorary doctorate?
Robert Quinn is co-founder and executive director of the Scholars at Risk network. The international organisation, established in 1999 in the US and based at New York University, defends academics who face danger and aims to provide them with a safe haven. It works closely with more than 500 universities in 42 countries and every year offers protection to some 300 academics. VUB has offered shelter to three scientists, with a fourth process under way. For VUB, the network is vital to secure both the intellectual capital of scientists in danger and freedom of thought.
Roger Quinn has been nominated by the university for societal merit.
“Our main objective is to link up higher education institutions, leaders, academics, staff and students in the promotion and defence of academic freedom.”
What is an honorary doctorate?
VUB has awarded honorary doctorates every year since 1978 to personalities from the most diverse backgrounds who have made a remarkable contribution to their field and to society. From this solemn moment of recognition, they bear the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of VUB.