On Tuesday 22 September, VUB will open the academic year with Artificial Age. Authentic Education?, an opening ceremony centred on the question of how universities prepare young people for a world in which artificial intelligence and societal change are fundamentally reshaping the way we learn, work and live together. Registration for the ceremony is now open.
What knowledge, skills and values should universities equip a new generation with today? What does learning mean when information is always available? Which competences become more important as technology takes over an increasing number of tasks? And what role does the university play in a society that is changing faster than ever? With these questions as a starting point, VUB will bring together students, researchers, staff, alumni and societal partners during Academic Opening 2026.
The theme reflects a debate that is currently taking place across education, research and society. The rise of artificial intelligence is transforming not only the way we work, but also how we acquire, process and apply knowledge. During the opening ceremony, VUB will explore what this means for higher education and for the ways in which universities prepare young people for the challenges of the future.
Jan Danckaert
Programme
- Rector Jan Danckaert will open the ceremony with a reflection on the challenges facing higher education in a time of technological and societal change.
- Jo Caudron, transformation strategist, and Saskia Van Uffelen, Chair of the Belgian National Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition, will share their views on the impact of technology on education, skills and the labour market.
- VUB professors Vincent Ginis, Thomas Crispeels and Cathy Macharis will join the discussion from the perspectives of their expertise in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and sustainability respectively. Sebastiaan Vanseuningen, Chair of the Student Council, will also take part in the debate.
- The afternoon will be moderated by Layla El-Dekmak. Musical interludes will be provided by Pieter Schrevens.
The Academic Opening Ceremony will take place on Tuesday 22 September from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. in Lecture Hall Q on the VUB Main Campus in Etterbeek. The ceremony traditionally marks the official start of the new academic year.
Following the Academic Opening, a reception will be held on the Esplanade and in the Green Atrium, at the heart of the Kick-Off celebrations. Students, staff, alumni and partners will come together to mark the beginning of the new academic year.
Also on 22 September: VUB Kick-Off
This year, the Academic Opening Ceremony and the VUB Kick-Off will take place on the same day at the Etterbeek campus. The Kick-Off is the annual welcome event that marks the start of the new academic year for students. Throughout the day, the campus will come alive with information stands hosted by VUB services, student associations and organisations from across Brussels. Students will have the opportunity to explore the wide range of services and activities available on and around campus, meet fellow students and take part in a variety of activities.