VUB Academic Opening: Science as a Public Good

Opening speech by rector-elect Jan Danckaert

Following annual tradition, VUB is celebrating the start of the academic year with an opening session. This year, it takes place in the impressive setting of the iconic, listed Abbatoir market hall in the Anderlecht district of Kuregem. Rector-elect Jan Danckaert will deliver his first opening speech and give his vision on the role of science for a world in transition and crisis. The entire VUB community will also pay tribute to the much-missed honorary rectors Caroline Pauwels and Paul de Knop.

programme (15u- 18u)

  • Welcome by mayor of Anderlecht Fabrice Cumps
  • Introduction by president of the VUB Board of Directors Karsten De Clerck
  • About the site: Elke Tiebout, CEO Abattoir
  • Speech by students
  • Tribute to honorary rectors Paul De Knop and Caroline Pauwels
  • Opening speech VUB rector Jan Danckaert: Science as a public good
  • Closure: Song of No Language

Several neighborhood social clubs were involved in organizing the opening. 

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