Independent thought and action are woven into the fabric of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). But what does this freedom truly mean for the university’s scientists, researchers, staff, students, and alumni? How does it shape their thinking and their actions? In a series of short videos, we’re handing the mic over to them. Here, we hear from Dr Elisabeth De Waele, a professor of clinical nutrition, and Dr Niels de Winter, a palaeoclimatologist.

Elisabeth De Waele: “Free to question, to challenge, and to improve”

Dr Elisabeth De Waele is a physician and professor in clinical nutrition at VUB. She is committed to advancing healthcare by asking critical questions, tackling challenges, and constantly striving for better care practices. Her work exemplifies the VUB’s spirit of independence in the medical field.

Niels de Winter: “Free to be curious”

Dr Niels de Winter is a palaeoclimatologist who studies Earth’s climatic past to deepen our understanding of its future. His curiosity and passion for discovery reflect the freedom he feels to explore and learn without restraint.*

 

*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.