High-quality, independent research at VUB
Independent, idiosyncratic VUB was born on 1 September 1969 and immediately enjoyed expeditious growth. This was coupled with unforeseen costs. Therefore, a support fund was established, known today as the VUB Scientific Support Fund. This fund aims to raise 25,000 euros annually for scientific awards and the organisation of seminars.
VUB forms a dynamic environment for both young, creative researchers and world-famous experts. A place where professors and students are given the freedom to think, investigate, and innovate. This freedom must not be taken for granted. It must be protected and nurtured. Despite grants for research from various sources, bottlenecks remain.
Your contribution gives financial latitude to independent thinkers. And that leads to creative, innovative solutions that benefit society as a whole.
For whom and what?
Young researchers
Young researchers at the start of their careers often do not qualify for larger research grants. Not only with the financial elbow room to spread their wings can they come up with innovative solutions to new societal challenges. The VUB Scientific Support Fund supports these young researchers, thus investing in the society of tomorrow.
Interdisciplinary research
Additional support is also needed for interdisciplinary research. The most valuable breakthroughs today occur at the interface of related disciplines, or by bringing together knowledge from very dissimilar ones. Independent, interdisciplinary research is indispensable for the survival of our society.
Prizes
In 2025 the Support Fund launched a new prize structure for researchers in different stadiums of their scientific career.
An overview:
Life Sciences |
Basic-, Nature- and Applied
|
Human
|
|
Young researchers |
Hilde Bruers* | Ingrid Daubechies° | Paul De Vroede° |
Mid-Career |
Liebaers-Van Steirteghem* | Franz Bingen* | Els Witte° |
Career award |
Silvain Loccufier* |
||
* awarded in 2026
° awarded in 2027
Donate now and make all the difference!
Donate online or by bank transfer to the account number BE51 0013 6779 3562 of VUB with the reference GIFT 167. Donations from € 40 are tax-deductible.
