Vrije Universiteit Brussel confirms with sadness the death of honorary rector Paul De Knop, who was rector of VUB from 2008 to 2016. Following his mandate, he oversaw progress on building work on the VUB campus in Etterbeek, a project that began under his leadership.
Paul De Knop was diagnosed with two malignant diseases shortly after his tenure as rector ended: leukaemia and metastatic melanoma. At the UZ Brussel, he was treated by Professor Rik Schots, and by Professor Bart Neyns and his research team, who specialise in immunotherapy, among other things.
He founded the VUB-UZB Paul De Knop fund for immunotherapy, saying “I offered to help my consulting physician raise funds, not for myself, but for others.”
Paul has died from this illness at the age of 67. He leaves a wife, four children and six grandchildren. The whole Vrije Universiteit Brussel community expresses its sympathy and wishes the family strength at this difficult time.
For his exceptional achievements and to thank him for his years of commitment and passion, Paul was given the title of Honorary Rector by VUB in June 2022.We will always be extremely grateful to him for all his efforts, his time and his personality.
Condolences
A book of condolences can be signed in the rectorate building on the Etterbeek campus and online via this webpage.
Support to the Paul De Knop Fund
If you wish to continue Paul’s commitment, you can support VUB’s and UZ Brussel’s research into immunotherapy by making a donation to the VUB-UZB Paul De Knop Fund: account number BE 51 001367793562 with the reference GIFT FO2 Paul De Knop.
More information about the funeral will follow later.