The ties between VUB and Sorbonne Université in Paris have been officially strengthened with the signing of a framework agreement on Monday, 2 September 2024. This marks the beginning of an intensive collaboration between the Faculties of Languages at both institutions, which will be further developed over the coming academic year.
The partnership stems from existing contacts between colleagues in Dutch Language and Literature within the International Association for Dutch Studies and the Dutch Language Union. Following the declaration of intent signed in Paris last year, a concrete plan for further academic cooperation has now been put in place.
On 2 September, this was formally confirmed with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. The ceremony took place at the VUB Main Campus, preceded by a formal lunch hosted by the French Ambassador. In attendance were Rector Jan Danckaert and Guillaume Fiquet, Vice-President for International Relations, Territorial and Economic Partnerships at Sorbonne Université, along with Yves Wantens, Diplomatic Representative of the Flemish Government in France, and representatives from the embassies of Flanders, France, and Foreign Affairs.
In the afternoon, the official signing occurred in the Council Chamber, where a broader diplomatic and academic delegation gathered. Both Rector Danckaert and Vice-President Fiquet delivered speeches, supported by Vice-Rector Karin Vanderkerken and Director of Research Olivier Agard. Professors Wim Vandenbussche and Ann Peeters also shared their insights into the future of the collaboration.
The day concluded with a celebratory reception in the Mirror Room, offering the perfect opportunity to mark the intensive preparations and look ahead to the upcoming projects. Among these are plans for an exhibition on "Stimuli Objects/Idéophores" by VUB Professor Domien Roggen at the Sorbonne, in collaboration with CAVA, as well as the launch of the Erasmus agreement for student exchanges in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Through this partnership, VUB and Sorbonne Université aim not only to strengthen the ties between their respective academic communities but also to build bridges between languages, cultures, and educational systems.