Practical
Friday, 6 June, 2025
- 15:30 until 18:30
Le Vaudeville
Koninginnegalerij 15
1000 Brussel
Koninginnegalerij 15
1000 Brussel
The four scientists are, in the words of rector Jan Danckaert, “four outstanding figures who have made a major impact on science, society, and the way we deal with the big challenges of our time.”
Terttu Nevalainen
Prof. Dr Terttu Nevalainen (1952) is a world authority in historical sociolinguistics. A pioneer in quantitative approaches to language change, she gave a voice to forgotten language communities in the history of English. Her work sparked a methodological revolution in English linguistics. One of the few female leaders in a traditionally male-dominated field, she has become an inspiring figure in her discipline.
Proposed by the Faculty of Languages and Humanities.
Joeri Rogelj
Joeri Rogelj (1980) is a leading Belgian climate scientist and professor at Imperial College London, where he heads the Grantham Institute. After earning his PhD at ETH Zürich in 2013, his CO₂ budget models shook up climate science and helped shape the Paris Agreement. As a lead author for the IPCC, he played a key role in the landmark 1.5°C report (2018). With over 75,000 citations and 69 articles in top journals, he is a ‘Highly Cited Researcher’ and a trusted voice in both climate science and policy, including at the European Climate Council.
Proposed by the Faculty of Engineering.
John D. Fluke
John D. Fluke is Professor and Associate Director at the Kempe Center, University of Colorado. He is internationally recognised for his research on child welfare and protection. Known for his innovative use of administrative data, he helps improve youth care systems by focusing on risks, costs, and outcomes. With over 80 scientific publications, he combines theory and practice, and plays a leading role in global organisations such as the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. His work drives progress in tackling child abuse worldwide.
Proposed by the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences.
Peter Singer
Peter Singer (1946) is an Australian philosopher and bioethicist, globally renowned for his groundbreaking work on animal rights and ethics. A professor at Princeton University, he argues from a utilitarian perspective for reducing suffering. His book *Animal Liberation* (1975) helped launch the modern animal rights movement. Known for tackling difficult topics such as poverty and euthanasia, he co-founded the *Journal of Controversial Ideas* to foster open debate. Singer remains one of today’s most influential thinkers and was named Australian Humanist of the Year in 2004.
Proposed by the VUB for societal merit.
Combine the Doctor Honoris Causa ceremony with a lecture by Peter Singer
Later that evening, newly awarded VUB honorary doctor Peter Singer will give a lecture at the Malibran Hall of the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie. The lecture starts at 19:00 and explores how our relationship with animals has changed since *Animal Liberation* first made waves fifty years ago. A revised edition of the book was released in 2024.
Tickets for this lecture will be available as of Monday 5 May 2025.
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme: a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge sharing, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
As an Urban Engaged University, VUB aims to be a driver of change in the world. With our academic edcuational programmes and innovative research, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to making a difference locally and globally.
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