The press is warmly invited to a double lecture by world authority on multilingualism research Jean-Marc Dewaele and philosopher and Chair of the Brussels Council for Multilingualism Philippe Van Parijs.

Under the banner ‘Multilingualism and Language Learning: Challenges and Opportunities’, both the inaugural lecture of the International Francqui Professor Chair 2024-2025 and the inaugural lecture of the VUB Francqui Chair will take place on Wednesday, 15 January, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the VUB U-Residence.

The Francqui Foundation aims to promote the development of higher education and scientific research in Belgium, among other ways through prestigious academic chairs.

Jean-Marc Dewaele

The International Francqui Professor Chair 2024-2025 has been awarded to Prof. Dr. Jean-Marc Dewaele upon the recommendation of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University, and the University of Namur. Prof. Dr. Jean-Marc Dewaele is affiliated with Birkbeck College and University College London. He is a world authority in the fields of multilingualism research and the study of socio-psychological factors in second language acquisition.

Philippe Van Parijs

The VUB Francqui Chair 2024-2025 has been awarded to Emeritus Prof. Dr. Philippe Van Parijs upon the recommendation of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, in recognition of his exceptional academic and societal contributions to language policy and multilingualism on the one hand, and socio-economic models on the other.

Practical Information

The number of seats for the inaugural event on 15 January is limited, so please confirm your attendance via peter.van.rompaey@vub.be.

The two inaugural lectures will take place at the VUB Main Campus, U-Residence, Generaal Jacqueslaan 271. Doors open at 5:30 PM. The event concludes at 8:00 PM, followed by a reception.

The evening will be conducted mainly in English. The program is as follows:

Program Inauguration Francqui Chairs 2024-2025

  • 17:30 Reception

  • 18:00 Welcome: Wim Vandenbussche and Alex Housen (VUB)

  • 18:10 Speech by the Rector of VUB

  • 18:20 Speech by the Vice-Rector of UGent

  • 18:25 Speech by the (Vice-)Rector of UNamur

  • 18:30 Introducing the International Francqui Professor Chair 2024-2025, Prof. Dr. Jean-Marc Dewaele: Alex Housen (VUB)

  • 18:35 Inaugural Lecture: Multilingual, Multicultural and Multicompetent Individuals, Prof. Dr. Jean-Marc Dewaele

  • 19:05 Introducing the VUB Francqui Chair 2024-2025, Em. Prof. Dr. Philippe Van Parijs: Wim Vandenbussche (VUB)

  • 19:10 Inaugural Lecture: How Can One Make Brussels (Even) More Multilingual?, Em. Prof. Dr. Philippe Van Parijs

  • 19:40 Panel Discussion with Jean-Marc Dewaele and Philippe Van Parijs, including audience questions and comments (moderator: Wim Vandenbussche)

  • 19:55 Closing Remarks: Alex Housen

  • 20:00 Reception