VUB Fellows 2024

VUB FELLOWS 2024 CONNECTING ACADEMIA

AND SOCIETY

VUB FELLOWS 2024

Frederik Caenepeel

Ann Ceuppens

Mikhaël Cops

Miranda Cornet

Caroline Craenhals

Ludo Cuypers

Marc Dedobbeleer

Rudi Delarue

Brecht Deseure

Hind Fraihi

Marc Henneaux

Jean Pierre Hollevoet

Celestina Jorge Vindes

Anaïs Maes

Tony Mary

Maarten Michielssens

Dirk Ramaekers

Khadija Rhioui

Fatiha Saïdi

Bart Temmerman

Miranda Ulens

Philip van der Veen

Jan Van Steirteghem

Ine Van Wymersch

John Vandaele

Steven Vervoort

Caroline Vrijens

Catherine Woollard

OUR SOCIETY NEEDS SCIENCE THAT BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY: SCIENCE FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD. AS SCIENTISTS, AS A UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY, AND IN THE TRADITION OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT, WE MUST DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER NOT ONLY TO SECURE THE FUTURE, BUT ALSO TO ENSURE A BETTER WORLD IN THE YEARS AND DECADES TO COME. A BETTER FUTURE IN A SUSTAINABLE, MORE RIGHTEOUS AND OPEN WORLD. WE CAN ONLY SUCCEED IF WE STAY INTENSELY CONNECTED WITH SOCIETY. THE WORLD NEEDS YOU.

JAN DANCKAERT RECTOR OF VUB

CONNECTING ACADEMIA AND SOCIETY

One thing is clear: at VUB, we want to be a part of the solution. And maybe it won’t be the solution, but we definitely want to contribute to a positive and necessary evolution. Interdisciplinary research is indispensable in this regard. As University Fellowship Coordinator of VUB, I am convinced that an interdisciplinary approach must go hand in hand with a strong connection between academia and society. We count on our fellows to improve the quality of our research and our education, the employability of our graduates and our overall capacity for innovation and competitiveness. Through the VUB Fellowship Programme, all who are involved discuss challenges, exchange experiences, share good practices and learn from one another for the benefit of society in general. Since 2012, VUB Fellow is the highest grade of membership at our Alma Mater, a title bestowed upon unique personalities: top level business people, visionary decision makers and socially relevant personalities. More than ten years of connecting academia and society. A successful connection that is so much more than the sum of its parts!

Vice-rector Hugo Thienpont University Fellowship Coordinator

More than 10 years of building talent with the help of talent.

That is the essence of our Fellowship Programme: making academic and societal talent work together to the benefit of our students and researchers, to make the world a better place: thanks to all of you and let’s keep on building!

Karsten

De Clerck

Chairman

of the Board of VUB & Honorary Fellow

VUB FELLOWS 2024

SOLVAY VUB FELLOWS

“I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN ECOSYSTEMS, WHERE EVERY ENDING IS A NEW BEGINNING. ACADEMIA AND SOCIETY SHOULD NOT REMAIN ISOLATED LIKE INDIVIDUAL POTTED FLOWERS. THEY NEED TO COME TOGETHER ON COMMON, FERTILE GROUND TO CREATE A THRIVING ECOSYSTEM. AS A FELLOW, I WANT TO HELP MAKE THIS HAPPEN.”

BELGIAN SCRAP TERMINAL

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Elvira Haezendonck

Caroline Craenhals studied Commercial Engineering at the VUB.

Today she is the CEO of Belgian Scrap Terminal, a recycling company that responsibly reclaims discarded materials. Turning an end into a new beginning is in Caroline’s DNA. Passion for Urban Mining, and by consequence recycling, is her daily habitat. Her mission is to make economics and ecology go hand in hand in a world searching for resources.

She will share her professional expertise in the field of sustainability with the VUB by facilitating data for circular research through her network. She will also give guest lectures on sustainability, support internships and supervise master’s theses.

CAROLINE CRAENHALS

CAROLINE VRIJENS

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS COMMISSIONER, FLEMISH OFFICE OF THE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS COMMISSIONER

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Dimokritos Kavadias

“FOR OUR WORK ON CHILDREN’S RIGHTS, ACADEMIC RESEARCH IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT. WE THEREFORE LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH SCHOLARS FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES. I MYSELF HAVE VERY GOOD MEMORIES OF MY STUDIES AT THE VUB IN THE PAST. ”

Caroline Vrijens studied Law in Namur and Leuven and continued her university career with training in International and European Law at VUB and non-profit management at UGent.

After her studies, she worked as an advisor to the Flemish government from 2006 to 2014 on the subject of youth aid. From 2014 to 2016, she monitored integral youth support, followed by a period at the NGO SOS Children’s Villages, where she was responsible for the most vulnerable youngsters. She also worked for several years as a governance policy officer on youth welfare at support agency Jeugdhulp. Since 2019, she has been the children’s rights commissioner, the Flemish advocate for the rights of young people established by the Flemish Parliament.

© Koen Broos

“AT THE VUB, OPENNESS TO SOCIETY RHYMES WITH INCLUSION!”

AUTHOR AND HONORARY SENATOR

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Iman Lechkar

FATIHA SAÏDI

Fatiha Saïdi is a committed Brussels feminist, politician and writer. She has been a councillor in Evere for more than a decade, as well as a senator and a member of the Brussels Parliament. She is trained in Psychopedagogy and Political Science.

Throughout her life and career, she has developed close ties with women’s organisations in the Maghreb. Based on these collaborations, she writes books about women facing forced marriage and women making activist Berber music.

Fatiha Saïdi’s deep political and social commitment to women’s rights and North-South relations is a constant source of inspiration for the VUB’s Fatima Mernissi research chair. Alongside other political actors and civil society organisations, she is an important partner who actively contributes to developing and delivering engaging, socially relevant lectures and public interventions.

MIRANDA ULENS

“THE VUB IS OPEN AND FUTURE-ORIENTED AND GIVES THE OPPORTUNITY ALSO TO WORKING STUDENTS TO DEEPEN AND PERFECT THEMSELVES. IN OTHER WORDS, TO STRENGTHEN THE LINK BETWEEN RATIO AND PRAXIS.”

GENERAL SECRETARY ABVV AND PRESIDENT OF VLAAMS ABVV

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Christophe Vanroelen

Miranda Ulens studied Public Administration Sciences at VUB. Since 2018, she has been general secretary of the Algemeen Belgisch Vakverbond (ABVV), Belgium’s socialist trade union. She is also president of the Flemish ABVV.

Her objective with this fellowship is to bring the labour movement and the university closer together. She will do this through guest lectures and dialogue with members of the research group BRISPO, the Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies, on crucial research topics affecting the trade union movement.

“PROUD TO BE AN ALUMNUS AND FELLOW OF THE VUB AND FOR 50 YEARS, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, TO MAKE MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROWTH AND FLOURISHING OF MY ALMA MATER.”

DIRECTOR, COLLIBRA & ANYKROWD

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Kris Boudt

Tony Mary graduated from VUB with a master’s in Economic Sciences and has gone on to become a captain of industry, including as managing director of public broadcaster VRT. He mentored the founders of VUB spin-off Collibra and has been instrumental in their success. Today, he coaches business leaders and is a director of several companies.

As a fellow, Tony Mary intends to contribute by supporting potential start-ups, through collaborating on business plans, seeking capital and putting together boards of directors. He will share his experience as a guest lecturer in courses on entrepreneurship and management and tap into his network.

© David Mary

TONY MARY

LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY

VUB FELLOWS

“SUSTAINED INTERACTION BETWEEN SCIENCE AND PRACTICE IS ESSENTIAL IN THE CONTEXT OF WORK AND SOCIAL PROTECTION AND CAN ENABLE US TO FIND MORE EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX SOCIOECONOMIC CHALLENGES.”

PRESIDENT, NATIONAL LABOUR COUNCIL

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Evelien Timbermont

Rudi Delarue studied Law and has been president of the Nationale Arbeidsraad (National Labour Council) since 2020. Over the years, he has built up unique expertise on social dialogue both in Belgium and from a European and international perspective.

As a fellow, he will give guest lectures related to social dialogue. His involvement will strengthen the interaction between the university and Belgium’s primary inter-professional body for consultation as well as for collective bargaining between employers’ and workers’ organisations.

RUDI DELARUE

SCIENCE VUB FELLOWS

“THE INTERNATIONAL SOLVAY INSTITUTES FOR PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY ARE A UNIQUE

BI-COMMUNITY CURIOSITYDRIVEN RESEARCH INSTITUTION

CONNECTING THE VUB, THE ULB, THE SOLVAY FAMILY AND THE SOLVAY CHEMICAL COMPANY.”

DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL SOLVAY INSTITUTES

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Alexander Sevrin

Marc Henneaux is a professor at ULB and at the prestigious Collège de France in Paris. He has received widespread recognition for his scientific work, winning the Francqui Prize and the FNRS Quinquennial Prize and securing two European Research Council Advanced Grants.

In the coming years, he will continue to lead the International Solvay Institutes, the physics and chemistry research centres that have been active for more than 110 years. His central focus will be the visibility of the VUB in all the institutes’ activities, including the launch of the Solvay Conference in Biology.

MARC HENNEAUX

FREDERIK CAENEPEEL

TECHNOLOGY ENGINEER, ATLAS COPCO

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Ann Dooms

“SOMETIMES SOMETHING CAN SEEM ENORMOUSLY DIFFICULT AT FIRST GLANCE AND THEREFORE DETERRED. BY LEARNING TO LEARN, DARING TO THINK AND WITH THE NECESSARY EFFORT, DIFFICULT CAN FORTUNATELY BECOME EASY.”

Frederik Caenepeel has a PhD in Mathematics and launched his own YouTube channel three years ago to promote the subject among young people. Today, he is a technology engineer at Atlas Copco, where he develops and implements algorithms for controlling air compressors.

Through guest lectures in specific courses, he will reflect on the relevance of the topics to the business world or make connections with other fields of study. His YouTube channel can also be an inspiration for the university and its students.

ARTS AND HUMANITIES VUB FELLOWS

JOHN VANDAELE

“WHEN CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE, WHAT PEOPLE LEARN AT UNIVERSITY ALLOWS THEM TO DO SOMETHING CONCRETE ABOUT THE MAJOR (GLOBAL) CHALLENGES THEY LEARN ABOUT AT UNIVERSITY.”

JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR, MO* MAGAZINE

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Bart Van Kerkhove

After studying Psychology, John Vandaele entered journalism, where he reports on the social, environmental, economic and governance aspects of globalisation. He has worked as a freelance journalist for Knack, De Morgen and various other outlets and written several books. Since 2003, he has worked part-time as a staff member of MO* Magazine. This gave him the space to take various civil initiatives, playing major roles in developing the Neighbours of the Abbey or the energy cooperative Energent. It convinced him that “you can work for a better world every day in many ways.” In 2010, he received the Federal Council for Sustainable Development’s press award for his report ‘The forest is Congo’s greatest poverty fighter’.

As a fellow, John Vandaele can benefit the faculty in various ways, through giving guest lectures for students in his area of expertise, as well as talks and debates aimed at a wider audience.

“BORN AND RAISED IN BRUSSELS AND AS A VUB ALUMNA, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN CITY AND UNIVERSITY IS ESSENTIAL TO ME. AS A FELLOW, IT IS QUITE AN HONOR TO BE ABLE TO STRENGTHEN THIS (HISTORICAL) LINK.”

ANAÏS MAES

ALDERWOMAN OF TOWN PLANNING, PUBLIC SPACES AND DUTCHLANGUAGE EDUCATION AND AFFAIRS, CITY OF BRUSSELS

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Tyssens

Anaïs Maes holds a PhD in History and was a teacher at the GO! Atheneum Etterbeek. She was affiliated with the VUB as a researcher and visiting professor at the Department of History.

Between 2005 and 2008, she was a presenter on FM Brussel and TV Brussel, now renamed BRUZZ. Today she is alderwoman for Town Planning, Public Spaces, Dutch-language Education and Affairs for the City of Brussels, making her one of the capital’s leading Dutchspeaking administrators.

As a fellow, Anaïs Maes will be an important intermediary for the protection and valorisation of material heritage, in cooperation with the VUB research group Secular Studies Association Brussels (SSAB). She will also lend support to the research into the history of the resistance.

“I SEE THIS FELLOWSHIP AS AN OPPORTUNITY - THROUGH REFLECTION

ON JOURNALISM’S PAST AND PRESENT - TO DEEPEN THE COLLABORATION

BETWEEN VUB, ULB AND KBR, THREE INSTITUTIONS DEVOTED TO KNOWLEDGE AND RESEARCH WITH AN EMPHATIC BRUSSELS ANCHORING.”

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER, KBR AND ULB

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Martina Temmerman

Brecht Deseure is a scientific collaborator at the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) and the ULB. A historian by training, he is the lead researcher of CAMille KBR-ULB, a Centre for Archives on Media and Information.

He will give guest lectures on the history of the press in Belgium, on the work of KBR, and on its historical newspaper and magazine collections and their digitisation. Calling on the KBR’s extensive collection, he can also contribute to research on the Belgian media industry.

BRECHT DESEURE

“THE VUB MAKES A POINT OF BEING A DYNAMIC PLACE THAT IS NOT SEPARATED FROM LIFE; IT IS INVOLVED IN THE CITY AND CONCERNED BY WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND IT. A CITY, A COUNTRY, A PLURAL WORLD, ALWAYS HAS BEEN.”

FOUNDER, PÉPITE BLUES

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Bekers

Celestina Jorge Vindes obtained a master’s in Philosophy and a master’s in Population and Development Sciences from the Université catholique de Louvain. In 2019, she founded Pépite Blues, a bookstore with a cultural mission to place literature in dialogue with other art forms, taking Africa and its diasporas as the starting point for a dialogue with the world. In 2023, she was given the ELLE Woman of the Year Award for Entrepreneurship by magazine ELLE België.

Pépite Blues will act as a partner in organising literary and cultural events and workshops on creative writing, in the context of author visits and residencies and scientific meetings.

CELESTINA JORGE VINDES

© Eli Lebailly

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

VUB FELLOWS

BART TEMMERMAN

“THE CONTINUOUS CONFRONTATION BETWEEN MY DAILY REALITY AND THE FREE RESEARCH AT THE VUB IS A NECESSARY SOURCE OF INNOVATION POTENTIAL FOR ME. AS A FELLOW, I CARRY THIS OUT EXTERNALLY; CONVERSELY, IN THIS WAY I ALSO LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY.”

SECRETARY GENERAL, DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, YOUTH AND MEDIA - FLEMISH GOVERNMENT

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Free De Backer

Bart Temmerman is a VUB alumnus and a commercial engineer by training. He worked in the film industry as finance manager at Marmont Film Production and holds various directorships of cultural organisations. He was also responsible for the introduction of UiTPAs, a collective cultural loyalty card, and the launch of the MuseumPas in cooperation with the museum sector. Since 1 July, he has been the secretary general of the Flemish government’s Department for Culture, Youth and Media.

His involvement opens doors for ambitious structural cooperation between the VUB and his department in terms of research and internship opportunities for students.

STEVEN VERVOORT

GENERAL DIRECTOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING, FLEMISH COMMUNITY COMMISSION

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Koen Lombaerts

© Beeldvorm

“BRUSSELS HAS TO BE DISCOVERED! MAKE THE MOST OF THE UNIQUE COMBINATION OF AN ACADEMIC EDUCATION AT THE VUB IN BRUSSELS AS AN ASSET FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY!”

Steven Vervoort graduated as a philosopher from the VUB. Since 2008, he is general manager of Education and Training at the Flemish Community Commission (VGC). Before that, he was a researcher at the VUB and a consultant in the cabinet of politician Guy Vanhengel.

Innovation, diversity and urban education are current themes in the faculty’s courses and research projects. Steven Vervoort’s fellowship brings with it opportunities for greater cooperation between the VUB and VGC, uniting practice and research on these social and educational challenges in Brussels.

UMC VUB FELLOWS

“THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR HEALTH SYSTEM REQUIRE VISION AND REFORMS BASED ON SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE.

I AM THEREFORE HAPPY TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS AT THE VUB THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THIS.”

RESEARCH DIRECTOR, LANDSBOND VAN ONAFHANKELIJKE ZIEKENFONDSEN

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Koen Putman

Ann Ceuppens is a doctor of Medicine and a VUB alumna. As research director for the national federation of independent health insurance funds, she works closely on the social issues surrounding the affordability and quality of Belgium’s healthcare system. She plays a key role in the monitoring of scientific studies relating to healthcare.

As a fellow, she will play an informative role regarding new social trends and challenges in healthcare.

ANN CEUPPENS

“TO ‘CARE, PREPARE, PROTECT’ DEFINED THE HEALTH PRIORITIES OF OUR EU PRESIDENCY. EVIDENCE-BASED KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION NEEDS TO BE ACCELERATED TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH SYSTEMS AND PROTECT THE WELLBEING OF OUR CITIZENS. ”

CHAIR - FEDERAL PUBLIC SERVICE PUBLIC HEALTH, FOOD CHAIN SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Marc Noppen

Dirk Ramaekers is chair of the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety & Environment. Having trained in Internal Medicine at KU Leuven, he has held several high-level positions including director of the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre, cabinet advisor to the minister of Social Affairs and recently head of the Covid-19 vaccination Task Force.

Through guest lectures, he will share his expertise on current and future issues in healthcare.

© Karoly Effenberger

DIRK RAMAEKERS

“STUDYING AT THE VUB ALWAYS FELT LIKE HOME, A PLACE WITH SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE, KINDNESS, AND DIVERSITY. I AM A PROUD VUB’ER. THIS VUB IDENTITY IS SOMETHING YOU WILL HAVE FOREVER. SOMETHING THAT HELPS YOU MAKE AN IMPACT OUT THERE. I ENDED UP WORKING IN CLINICAL TRIALS AND BEING PART OF THE CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVEMENT OF PATIENTS’ HEALTH.”

CLINICAL RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGER, PFIZER

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Kurt Barbé

Khadija Rhioui is a VUB alumna in Biomedical Sciences and works at Pfizer.

Calling on her expertise from the field, she will highlight the potential job opportunities in medicine outside research. She has previously collaborated on information days and VUB’s Biomedical Research Week and is already an ambassador for the biomedicine of tomorrow.

KHADIJA RHIOUI

“AS A FELLOW, I WILL TAKE GREAT PLEASURE IN CONTINUING TO PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING, PECULIAR TO THE VUB, AND TO STRENGTHEN THE LINK WITH THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY.”

DIRECTOR NON-CLINICAL SAFETY EVALUATION, UCB

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Tamara Vanhaecke

Miranda Cornet is a VUB alumna and toxicologist with more than 25 years of experience in the safety evaluation of new chemical and biological entities. She is director of Non-Clinical Safety at UCB BioPharma and the former chair of BelTox, the Belgian Society of Toxicology and Ecotoxicology.

She will contribute to both teaching and research within the Pharmaceutical Sciences programme, through internship supervision, guest lectures and support for master’s theses. Her involvement will strengthen links with alumni in the pharmaceutical sector and offer opportunities for students.

© Picasa

MIRANDA CORNET

ENGINEERING VUB FELLOWS

“ACADEMIA, INDUSTRY AND SOCIETY NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF ANY GENERATION, BUT ESPECIALLY THIS GENERATION.”

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, BESIX

Proximi: Prof. Dr. Ir. Lincy Pyl & Prof. Dr. Ir.-Arch. Niels DeTemmerman

Jan Van Steirteghem obtained a master’s in Architectural Engineering and a PhD in Civil Engineering at the VUB. He is a member of the Executive and Strategic Committee and chief operating officer (COO) at BESIX, one of the largest players in construction, property development and concessions. He is also President of the Board of Directors of SECO Group and board member of two start-ups in construction technology (Neanex and Aug.e).

With his background in structural and civil engineering, Jan is ideally placed to advise on our students’ curriculum. As a representative of a major employer in the construction industry, he can provide insight into the competencies needed by an engineer in a modern construction company, and how VUB’s engineering program can distinguish itself in developing those competencies. Jan will also highlight the importance of empathetic and collaborative leadership in the industry. Furthermore, he can support us in updating our teaching and research to keep up with the changing demands of the construction industry, such as digitalization and sustainability.

JAN VAN STEIRTEGHEM

LUDO CUYPERS

“THE VUB OFFERED ME WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MY DOCTORAL RESEARCH. I WOULD NOW LIKE TO SHOW MY GRATITUDE BY COLLABORATING TOWARDS INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR FUTURE CHALLENGES WITH THE UNIVERSITY IN A LEADING ROLE.“

GENERAL MANAGER, COMMETO

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Ir. An Braeken

Ludo Cuypers is a VUB alumnus and the founder and manager of COMmeto, a Belgian SME specialising in software. His company’s activities are particularly compatible with the Industrial Sciences ELO-ICT course as they focus on issues such as networks, sensors, software development, Internet of Things, machine learning and security.

Using his expertise, he will be involved in various aspects of the Industrial Sciences programme such as curriculum renewal, sourcing project funding and acting as a sounding board.

JEAN PIERRE HOLLEVOET

DIRECTOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE TRANSITION, FLUVIUS

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Ir. Thierry Coosemans

“WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO ME IS THAT ACADEMIC RESEARCH IS ALSO PUT INTO PRACTICE AND CREATES REAL VALUE, IN THIS CASE ADDED VALUE FOR THE CHALLENGES OF ENERGY TRANSITION.”

Jean Pierre Hollevoet is an engineer by training and director of Energy and Climate Transition at Fluvius.

Within the MOBI Research Centre, the EVERGi research team focuses on the design and management of local multi-energy systems. This makes Fluvius a natural partner for developing research lines and collaborating in current and future research projects in Flemish, Belgian and European contexts.

Jean Pierre Hollevoet will contribute in the design of the research programme around the energy transition. His expertise can also contribute to driving the necessary development at the Green Energy Park in Zellik and offer opportunities for teaching and mentoring students.

INSTITUTE FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES VUB FELLOWS

“CONNECTING

ACADEMIA AND SOCIETY IS A TWO-WAY STREET: ACADEMIC RESEARCH

SUPPORTS SOCIAL CHANGE AND CIVIL

SOCIETY USES RESEARCH AS THE EVIDENCE BASE FOR ITS WORK. AS A FELLOW I AIM TO FOSTER THIS CONNECTION.”

DIRECTOR,

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON REFUGEES AND EXILES

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Kristin Henrard

Catherine Woollard has been director of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles since 2016. Previously she worked for a number of International NGOs and as a university lecturer, civil servant and consultant. She holds an LLM, LLB and a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

She has a great interest in expanding her academic engagement and visibility and has begun to develop closer ties with the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG). She envisages three-yearly joint assessments of research funding calls with the BSoG Centre on Migration, Diversity and Justice and will be involved in teaching the Vesalius College bachelor course Law 304: Legal Aspects of Migration.

© Simon Blackley

CATHERINE WOOLLARD

MOVEMENT AND REHABILITATION VUB FELLOWS

PHILIP VAN DER VEEN

DIRECTOR, PROSPECT MANAGEMENT, THERADEX ONCOLOGY

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Nele Adriaenssens

Philip van der Veen studied Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy at the VUB. He obtained his PhD in 2002 in the field of lymphology. In 2004, he joined Theradex Oncology in the UK as a clinical research associate and is now director of Prospect Management.

His expertise in oncology can be applied widely in the faculty and in collaborations with UZ Brussel, with his knowledge of clinical trials and funding being relevant to several lines of research and project applications.

“AS A FELLOW, I CAN STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE VUB, FOLLOW THE FACULTY’S RESEARCH DEVELOPMENTS AND CONTRIBUTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE IN ONCOLOGICAL CLINICAL RESEARCH.”

VUB FELLOWS

“AT VUB, AN ANGLE IS OFF. JUST AS WELL BECAUSE NO IDEA IS TOO CRAZY, NO HABITAT TOO FAR, NO COMMITMENT TOO EXCESSIVE. THE FELLOWSHIP IS THE DESSERT OF ALL THAT IS UNUSUAL.”

INDEPENDENT JOURNALIST, AUTHOR & COLUMNIST

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Ir. Jan Danckaert, Rector

Hind Fraihi is a freelance journalist, author and editor at Apache and a columnist for De Tijd and The Low Countries. She has written for numerous media on the Arab world, radical islam, right-wing extremism and press freedom. In her books and columns, she demonstrates particular critical insight into the contemporary tension between religion and society

She has been awarded the title of Commander in the Order of the Crown, and in 2020 she was elected a member of the Royal Academy of Language and Literature. She will make an important contribution to public discourse in which the VUB wants to position itself, including extremism, religion and society, the far-right and social media. Her involvement with critical news media and with PEN-Vlaanderen will provide many opportunities for valuable collaboration.

© Mariëlle Degeeter

MARC DEDOBBELEER

CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AMAB

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Ir. Hugo Thienpont, Vice-rector Innovation & Industry Relations

Marc Dedobbeleer is chair of the board of AMAB, a modern social enterprise that strives to develop an environment where people who struggle to enter the workforce are able to achieve personal growth, based on the pillars of People, Profit and Planet.

His involvement contributes to a collaboration between AMAB and VUB research groups in which they can test sustainable technology in the workplace and optimise economic objectives, adding significant social value.

“THE VUB IS EMBRACING ITS SOCIAL MISSION AS A UNIVERSITY, UNITING SCHOLARS, BUSINESSES

AND

SCIENCE THROUGH OUR VOICE ACADEMY, BUILDING BRIDGES TO A SHARED FUTURE.”

“IN TIMES WHERE KNOWLEDGE IS A PRODUCT, THE BRIDGE BETWEEN ACADEMIA AND ENTREPRENEURS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER. I AM HAPPY TO PUT MY SHOULDERS UNDER THIS CONNECTION.”

CEO AND FOUNDER, ENERGYVISION

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Karin Vanderkerken, Vice-rector Internationalisation

Maarten Michielssens is the founder and CEO of EnergyVision, a provider of energy and charging solutions for households and SMEs, using 100% green and 100% locally generated electricity.

The VUB hopes to expand its network in the field of energy transition through Maarten Michielssens’ Fellowship. EnergyVision is part of the World Economic Forum network and sponsors the Energy Transition Diplomacy executive training course at the Brussels Diplomatic Academy.

MAARTEN MICHIELSSENS

INE VAN WYMERSCH

NATIONAL DRUGS COMMISSIONER

Proxima: Prof. Dr. Nadine Engels,

Vice-rector Education and Student Affairs

© Diego Franssens

Ine Van Wymersch is a Law graduate. In 2023, she became Belgium’s national drugs commissioner, a role in which she coordinates efforts to tackle organised drug crime. She is also author of the book ‘Als je wieg op drijfzand staat’ (When your cradle is on quicksand).

Through this fellowship, the VUB sees many opportunities to exchange knowledge and expertise on student affairs, specifically on drugs and safety. Based on her expertise as a magistrate and prosecutor, Ine Van Wymersch can provide input on challenges related to safety on campus and in student life.

“BRUSSELS IS THE CITY OF MY HEART, YOUNG PEOPLE ARE OUR FUTURE AND CONNECTION IS WHAT BRINGS COLOR AND MEANING TO LIVING TOGETHER.”

“BY INCREASING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WORLDS OF MEDIA AND ACADEMIA, WE UNITE THE POWER OF STORYTELLING WITH THE RIGOR OF SCIENCE, TO ENRICH BOTH.”

CO-FOUNDER AND PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, DE CHINEZEN

Proximus: Prof. Dr. Pieter Ballon, Vice-rector Research

Mikhaël Cops has a master’s in Audiovisual Arts, and he started his career as a programme maker at production house Woestijnvis in 1999. In 2011, together with Elke Neuville and Arnout Hauben, he founded his own production house, De Chinezen, which focuses on human interest and documentary.

He is among the best-placed people in the Flemish media industry to advise on both the strategic and content-related aspects of science communication, and understands VUB’s particular societal outlook.

FORMER FELLOWS AND HONORARY FELLOWS

SOLVAY FELLOWS

Jerry Aerts

Ruth Devenyns

Steven Engels

Johan Haelterman

Bruno Humblet

Elke Jorens

Aurianne Lambert

Aline Muylaert

Lotte Vermeir

SOLVAY HONORARY FELLOWS

Karin Baetens

Luc Bontemps

Lars Bové

Ann Caluwaerts

André Céron

Jo Coutuer

Tamara De Bruecker

Karsten De Clerck

Pieter De Leenheer

An De Pauw

Willem Debeuckelaere

David Dehenauw

Lieven Deketele

Thierry Geerts

Danielle Jacobs

Anouk Lagae

Luc Lallemand

Isabelle Langlois-Loris

Isabelle Meunier

Angela Mills-Wade

Emmy Oost

Chantal Pattyn

Ann Peuteman

Nico Reeskens

Saïda Sakali

Gilles Samyn

Micheline Scheys

Michel Van den Broeck

Wim van Hees

Frank Van Massenhove

Joséphine Rebecca Vanden Broucke

Olivier Vanden Eynde

Ludo Vandervelden

Dominique Vercraeye

Xavier Verhaeghe

Vincent Verouden

LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY FELLOWS

Tania Dekens

Mireille Delange

Florence Delogne

Axel Desmedt

Olivier Slosse

Surya Prasad Subedi

Ludo Vermeulen

Lieven Wostyn

LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY HONORARY FELLOWS

Lola Boeykens

Michele Coninsx

Michel De Gols

Erik Derycke

Jef Gorrebeeck

Patrick Hofströssler

Bruno Luyten

Paul Nemitz

Veronique Pertry

Ricardo Ramirez-Hernández

Chris Reniers

Gunther Sleeuwagen

Lutgarde Sommerijns

Rudy Van De Voorde

Nic Van der Marliere

Anne Vanderstappen

Lieve Verboven

Brigitte Vermeersch

Diana Wallis

Stefan Yee

Andreas Ziegler

SCIENCE FELLOWS

Inge Arents

Jonathan Berte

Guido Gryseels

Eric Michiels

Michèle Oleo

Tamara Van Dam

Roel van der Meulen

SCIENCE HONORARY FELLOWS

Jan Bogaerts

Marc Ceusters

Françoise Chombar

Ingrid Daubechies

Frank De Winne

Bart Degeest

Aglaée Degros

James Gitundu Kairo

Patrick Roggemans

Marc Schepers

Jean-Marie Solvay

Els Torreele

Isabelle Van der Haegen

Guy Van Lommen

Frank Vandendriessche

ARTS AND HUMANITIES FELLOWS

Willem Bongers-Dek

Els Keytsman

Tom Naegels

Ans Persoons

ARTS AND HUMANITIES

HONORARY FELLOWS

Kader Abdolah

Hans Alma

Stefan Blommaert

Frans Boenders

Dirk Brossé

Bambi Ceuppens

Kristine De Mulder

Sophie De Schaepdrijver

Paul Dujardin

Ilke Froyen

Yves Goldstein

Ruud Hendrickx

Sandrien Mampaey

Faroek Özgünes

Hendrik Pinxten

Eva Smets

Claire Tillekaerts

Nic Van der Marliere

Katleen Van Langendonck

Christina von Wackerbarth

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

FELLOWS

Koen Pelleriaux

Katrien Verhegge

Jurgen Wayenberg

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

HONORARY FELLOWS

Chantal Cooreman

Patrick Coulier

Johan de Muynck

Erhan Demirci

Sven Gatz

Piet Goddaer

Jacky Goris

Fons Leroy

Goedele Liekens

Ingrid Lieten

Koen Maertens

Godelieve Van den Brande

Patrick Van Kerckhove

UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS

FELLOWS

Marc Michils

Brieuc Van Damme

Frank Vandenbroucke

Patrick Waterbley

UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS

HONORARY FELLOWS

Luc Adriaenssens

Yolande Avontroodt

Lutgarde Buydens

Paul Callewaert

Margot Cloet

Maggie De Block

Jo De Cock

Peter Degadt

Annick Dermine

Yves Desmet

Dirk Dewolf

Pim Drinkenburg

Pedro Facon

Bernward Garthoff

Martine Huybrechts

Patricia Lanssiers

Annemie Maes

Raf Mertens

Karine Moykens

Leo Neels

Martin Paul

Frank Robben

Johan Uvin

Caroline Verlinde

Mieke Walraevens

Ilse Weeghmans

ENGINEERING FELLOWS

Katelijne Boon

Simon De Boeck

Werner De Wolf

Daphne Deckers

Dirk Roosendans

ENGINEERING HONORARY FELLOWS

Line Alderweireldt

Philippe Block

Dirk Boogmans

Marco Croon

Marc De Groote

René De Keyzer

Walter Dechateau

Marc Demarche

Kathleen Dupont

Peter Grognard

Muzaffer Guler

Philip Hermans

Pol Hoorelbeke

Anneke Hunninck

Christ’l Joris

Telidja Klaï

Ali Mohammadi

Lieve Paternoster

Michael Peeters

Yves Pianet

Piet Spiessens

Fauzaya Talhaoui

Martine Tempels

Ingrid Van de Voorde

Sven Vandeputte

Jan Vliegen

Jan Watté

Véronique Wendrix

Chris Wuytens

MOVEMENT AND REHABILITATION FELLOWS

Anne d’Ieteren

Maurits Hendriks

Kathy Lindekens

MOVEMENT AND REHABILITATION

HONORARY FELLOWS

Costantino Balestra

Alain De Greef

Eddy De Smedt

Veronique Feipel

Marc Frederix

Yves Geysels

Harriët Jager-Wittenaar

Willy Smeets

David Steegen

Sonia Vanden Broeck († 2024)

Bob Verbeeck

VUB FELLOWS

Hassan Al Hilou

Ingrid De Jonghe

Clement Hiel

Akira Hiruma

Sammy Mahdi

Ilse Ooghe

Stefaan Verhulst

Koen Vermout

Rudi Vranckx

Fatima Zibouh

VUB HONORARY FELLOWS

Els Ampe

Bilal Benyaich

Christophe Busch

Bob Elsen

Alicja Gescinska

Dalilla Hermans

Farida Lamkanfi

Pamela Peeters

Kristof Pitteurs

Ajit Shetty

Claire Tillekaerts

Pascale Van Damme

Felix Van de Maele

Paul Van Gysegem

Koenraad Van Loo

Guy Vanhengel

Raymonda Verdyck

Lieve Wierinck

CONTACT

At the university level, the general management and common activities of the Fellowship programme are coordinated by the Fellowship Office.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel Pleinlaan 11 1050 Brussel vub.be/fellowship

VUB FELLOWSHIP OFFICE

Elisabeth Rabaey University Fellowship manager elisabeth.rabaey@vub.be

Goedele Nuyttens Fellowship coordinator goedele.nuyttens@vub.be