VUB's Academic Opening Ceremony Highlights Innovation and Collaboration
Brussels, Sunday, 31 August 2025.
VUB will host its academic opening on 23 September 2025, focusing on open science and campus collaboration, showcasing interdisciplinary solutions to societal challenges like climate change and health.
Emphasizing Open Science and Collaboration
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is preparing to host its academic opening ceremony on September 23, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. The event is themed ‘Open Mind, Open Science, Open Campus,’ aiming to foster an environment where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives. The emphasis on open science reflects VUB’s dedication to breaking down traditional academic silos, encouraging students and researchers to work together on innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing societal challenges, such as climate change and public health issues [1].
The Interactive Experience
Participants attending the ceremony will have the opportunity to explore the university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and learning centers, which are described as the ‘beating heart’ of VUB. The event will feature six thematic tours, showcasing the university’s renewed infrastructure and the pioneering work of its researchers. These tours are designed to demonstrate how VUB’s scientists are shaping the future by overcoming complex challenges through innovative research [1].
A Day of Engagement
The ceremony will not only highlight academic achievements but also provide an enjoyable experience for attendees. Scattered across the campus, a variety of food trucks and drink stands will offer culinary delights, with a microbrewery run by bioengineers serving their own craft beer as a standout feature. This setup aims to make the event both educational and enjoyable, allowing participants to immerse themselves fully in the university’s vibrant atmosphere [1].
Design Your Experience
Attendees have the flexibility to design their own day by choosing which thematic tours to attend, according to their interests. This personalized approach is part of VUB’s broader strategy to encourage active participation and engagement with science, technology, and innovation. By allowing participants to tailor their experience, VUB hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for the critical role of interdisciplinary research in addressing global challenges [1].