Featured

Academic Opening 2026-2027

Jan Danckaert
University

“I dream of a personalised AI tutor for every student”

Start-of-year interview with Rector Jan Danckaert
Ann Dooms
University

Does the world still need mathematicians?

Ann Dooms on AI: “The mathematician determines which new questions and structures are needed.”
Jo Caudron in AI-debat
University

Artificial Intelligence on Steroids

Panel Discussion Explores What It Means to Be Human in the Age of AI
Jan Danckaert
University

AI-literate students who use machines critically, creatively and responsibly

Jan Danckaert’s inaugural lecture: VUB embraces authentic learning with AI

Featured

Einstein telescope

Leerling met een VR-bril
Innovation

Exploring the universe through VR glasses

Exhibition at the Braem Building offers interactive introduction to the Einstein Telescope

Natuur
Sustainability

“We return the pumped water back to nature”

A team from the Water & Climate research group is developing groundwater models to predict the impact of this major project on the region’s water cycle
ETPathfinder
Science and research

Within ETpathfinder, the gravitational-wave observatory is being reinvented

An R&D laboratory in Maastricht is developing cutting-edge technology for the Einstein Telescope
ETpathfinder
Science and research

The economic return on the Einstein Telescope

Smart Skills Lab is preparing businesses and schools to develop technology for the Einstein Telescope
Header VUB @ FTI festival

Flanders Technology & Innovation Festival from 16 to 20 October

Meet Brussels’ tech pioneers, discover groundbreaking research, and experience how emerging technologies are shaping our future.
Featured

Science awards VUB

Vincent Ginis
Science and research

VUB researcher Vincent Ginis wins Silvain Loccufier science prize

“This award confirms that you don’t have to make choices that go against your own values”
Ellen goossens
Science and research

VUB researcher Ellen Goossens wins Liebaers–Van Steirteghem Prize
Wim Versees
Science and research

“Scientific research is always a team effort”
Willem Staels
Science and research

“A particularly meaningful award for a scientist who combines patient care with research”
Ilse Rooman
Science and research

“This award is a tremendous recognition and a real boost for new research”
Featured

Honorary doctorates VUB-ULB 2025

eredoctoraat Albanese
Society and engagement

UAntwerpen, UGent and VUB jointly award honorary doctorate to Francesca Albanese

Flemish universities crown commitment to human rights and international law
Ever Meulen, Amélie Nothomb, Stromae, Lize Spit en François Schuiten
Brussels

VUB and ULB award joint honorary doctorates to Stromae, Amélie Nothomb, Lize Spit, Ever Meulen and François Schuiten

Artists who embody our capital in an exceptional way
François Schuiten
Brussels

“Brussels is the matrix of my imagination”

Honorary Doctor François Schuiten on his love for Brussels
Ever Meulen
Brussels

“Brussels in the late sixties was a gentle city, easy to get your head around”

Honorary Doctor Ever Meulen on his love for Brussels
Dossier

International Students

VUB Bewegingswetenschapper Dirk Aerenhouts op de fiets
University

“Cycling is the smartest shortcut to health”

VUB is taking part in the Academic Bicycle Challenge for the second time this October
Afdelingshoofd Sport & Beweging Dixie Van De Wiele op de fiets
University

VUB to take part in Academic Bicycle Challenge for second time

“Even a simple choice, such as cycling more often, can make a difference.”
The VUBMUN team in Paris
International

VUBMUN Delegation wins all 5 awards at ParisMUN

VUB students among 200 students from 32 different countries
Florence studied in London with Fayat scholarship
International

Florence studied at University College London with a Fayat Scholarship

“I got a broader perspective from being among people from different cultures and with different views”
Read everything about the international students

More features

Invisible diseases

Supercomputer

Honorary doctorates VUB-ULB 2025

New science awards

Climate

Fertility

Broaden your horizons, create more impact

Public programme

Campagnebeeld Zij Is Wetenschap
Science and research

‘Women Shaping Science’

VUB honours women scientists with an exhibition, article series and experts list
Timothy Snyder
Critical thinking

“Democracy does not defend itself”
Peter Singer
Science and research

Peter Singer: “For the price of a vacation, you can save lives in a poor country”

Samuel Baker

“I hope to one day return to Rwanda, when press freedom is restored”
Dood in venetie Dirk Bogarde
Arts and culture

“Acting on first impressions may seem harmless, but before you know it, you’re classifying people as safe or unsafe”
Read all the news on the public programme
Stories of our

Alumni

Steven Van den Panhuyzen
Alumni

“As teachers, we should never underestimate our power to set things in motion”

VUB alumnus Steven Van den Panhuyzen, Youth & Education Manager at WWF Belgium
Tom Van Der Stocken, professor Ecologie en promotor OceanConnectXL
Alumni

“The challenges facing the ocean require collaboration across borders and generations”

OceanConnectXL alumni network brings ocean experts from around the world to Ostend
Reusachtige brekende oceaangolven
Alumni

Bringing together 40 years of ocean expertise

OceanConnectXL Alumni Event on 16 November – registration now open
Helga Van Peer
Fellowship

Meet the VUB Fellows: Helga Van Peer, lawyer, mediator and independent director

“Echo chambers help no one. Leaders and organisations also need pushback.”
Read all stories of our alumni

VUB - Academic opening 2026 - 2027

Academische Openingsceremonie 2026
View more albums on FLICKR
Public programme

Events with impact

08/10 up to and including 31/10 - 2026
Exhibition

EXPO | MABABU - Spirit of the Ancestors. By Pamela Tulizo

De Markten
16/10 up to and including 18/10 - 2026
Guided tour

FTI Brussel: Open door @ Photonics Innovation Centre

VUB Photonics Campus Pajottegem
17/10 up to and including 18/10 - 2026
Guided tour

FTI Brussels: Innovation Walk @ Researchpark Zellik

Researchpark Zellik
17/10 - 2026
Mix

FTI Brussels x VUB: The Soft Side of Robotics

Wiels
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