VUB Research

VUB researcher in the picture 🔎 "The idea of a ‘Compassionate University’ is about creating a space where students and staff feel supported through life's challenges, like illness, grief, and caregiving," says researcher Hanne Bakelants from the End-of-Life Care Research Group & Society and Ageing Research Lab (SARLab), VUB at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Hanne is investigating how universities can better address the emotional needs of their communities. Through her research, she’s shedding light on the need for policies and actions that support individuals through difficult times, like grief and caregiving, ensuring no one has to face these challenges alone. The 'Compassionate University' core team have developed initiatives like the Monument of Comfort, the ‘Compassionate Week,’ and even a grief guide to guide the VUB community in offering support during times of loss. Want to dive deeper into Hanne’s work? Check out the video on our Instagram here: https://lnkd.in/e7UDptJY! Follow wetenschapbrussel (https://lnkd.in/eWm8P6RS) for more insights into the work of passionate VUB researchers as part of their ‘Onderzoek(ers) in de kijker’ series! 👀

Oproep: stel je kandidaat voor Science meets Parliament. Meer dan ooit hebben complexe beleidsuitdagingen nood aan wetenschappelijke kennis. Toch groeien wetenschap en politiek meer en meer uit elkaar, terwijl de synergie tussen beiden zo belangrijk is voor goede oplossingen. De Jonge Academie brengt de werelden van onderzoek en beleid dichter bij elkaar in een nieuwe editie van Science meets Parliament. In 2025 koppelen 🔗 we voor de derde keer een wetenschapper met een parlementslid. De wetenschapper loopt een dagje mee in de politieke wandelgangen en maakt kennis met beleid. Het parlementslid gaat daarna op bezoek op de werkplek van de wetenschapper om meer te leren over de wereld van de onderzoeker. We willen weer 20 koppels samenstellen. Doe dus mee, schrijf je in tot 13 december via onze website (sciencemeetsparliament.be) #ScienceMeetsParliament #ScienceForPolicy #ScienceBasedPolicy #beleidsonderzoek

🚀 VUB Researchers win ERC Grant for AI Collaboration & Social Equality 🌍 Two researchers from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) have been awarded the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant. 🎉 Their groundbreaking projects address two critical areas: Enhancing collaboration between intelligent machines 🤖 Tackling deeply rooted social inequalities 🌍 Congratulations to Professor Nikos Deligiannis and Professor Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe! This recognition highlights their innovative work and the potential to make significant contributions to both science and society. 💡✨ Proud moments like these underscore the importance of research in shaping a better future. Let’s celebrate their success and look forward to the impact these projects will have! 🚀 #ResearchExcellence #ERC #Innovation #VUB #ScienceForSociety Find more details in the VUB press release: https://lnkd.in/esJFGUdm

The Wetenschapsfestival Brussels 2024 was a succes! On November 24th, Muntpunt and the heart of Brussels came alive with science and innovation! The event featured interactive workshops, fascinating experiments, and inspiring talks for all ages. From building LEGO urban climate games to exploring the fascinating world of robots and creating DNA chains, there was something for everyone. A special shoutout to the incredible Vrije Universiteit Brussel researchers who shared their knowledge, passion, and groundbreaking work with the public. Your contributions made this day truly unforgettable and helped bridge the gap between science and society. 📸 Check out the highlights from the day and relive the magic!

🌟 Belgian Excellence in Engineering: Prof. Joeri Van Mierlo Named Highly Cited Researcher 2024 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that Prof. Joeri Van Mierlo, head of the MOBI Electromobility Research Centre at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), has been recognized for the second consecutive year as a Highly Cited Researcher in the field of Engineering by Clarivate. This prestigious honor places him among the top 1% of researchers worldwide in terms of citation impact, reaffirming his groundbreaking contributions to science and technology. With an impressive H-index of 63, over 15,000 citations, and more than 311 publications 😱, Prof. Van Mierlo is a global leader in sustainable technologies, electric vehicles, energy storage, and transport innovations. His work not only advances academic knowledge but also creates lasting societal and industrial impact. Prof. Van Mierlo is the only Belgian professor in Engineering to receive this title in 2024 and one of only two researchers in Belgium recognized in this category. This milestone highlights the excellence of VUB and the MOBI Research Centre as global leaders in innovation. 👏 Congratulations to Prof. Van Mierlo for this remarkable achievement and for his inspiring contributions to sustainable innovation! 📖 Learn more about Prof. Van Mierlo's work: 🔗 Highly Cited Researchers 2024 List: https://lnkd.in/evjakEpD 🔗 Web of Science ResearcherID Profile: https://lnkd.in/ezsHkHBd #Engineering #ResearchExcellence #Sustainability #HighlyCitedResearcher2024 #Innovation #Electromobility #VUB #MOBI

🌍❄️ Unlocking the Secrets of Earth and Space! 🚀 The Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Université libre de Bruxelles, in collaboration with the International Polar Foundation (IPF), are embarking on two groundbreaking scientific missions to Antarctica, at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station (PEA). Their goal? To uncover the secrets of Earth's climate history and the evolution of our solar system by studying ancient ice layers and meteorites. A bold step towards a deeper understanding of our planet and beyond. Stay tuned for updates from the frontlines of discovery! 🧊✨ Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/d94UeHn2 #Antarctica #Science #ClimateResearch #SpaceExploration #VUB #ULB #Innovation Steven Goderis Vinciane Debaille François Fripiat  Harry Zekollari

📣 Join the annual Compassionate Week at Vrije Universiteit Brussel! Discover meaningful ways to connect, care and find comfort during a series of heartwarming events and initiatives. ✨ Monday, November 18 ✨ - Creative Workshop with SmallStories - Sessions on Caregiving - An Evening of Comforting Literature at Pilar - Write a Comfort Card with Lost & Co and the Rouwcollectief ✨ Tuesday, November 19 ✨ - WeCare Workshops for Students - The Warmest Compassionate Café at Pilar Bar with Missing You vzw - Annual Moment of Comfort Compassionate Communities Centre of Expertise (COCO) 💡 Explore the full program and sign up via the event page ⬇️

🚀 It's a wrap! Our first OpenLab.brussels conference: Creating Knowledge Through Participatory Research was a success! This conference brought vibrant discussions, innovative approaches, and powerful connections across academia and society. We explored the potential of participatory research with contributions from Université libre de Bruxelles, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, CIVIS - Europe's Civic University Alliance, local Brussels organizations, and other European universities. From the inspiring FARI - AI for the Common Good Institute visit to the closing words by VUB Vice-Rector of Research Pieter Ballon, each moment captured the spirit of collaboration and real-world impact. A huge thank you to our speakers, organizers, and all participants who made this event a success. Let’s carry forward the momentum and continue bridging research and society! 🌍💡 #OpenLab #ParticipatoryResearch #Brussels #citizenscience Carina Veeckman Samia Ben Rajeb Fanny Sbaraglia Robin Lebrun Benjamin Wayens Vanessa Jubenot Donia Matine Floor Keersmaekers Karel Verbrugge Sven De Boeck Isaak Vervaecke

VUB-researcher in the picture 🔎 “In society, people without legal residency are often quickly seen as a threat. I turn the question around: what about their feelings of insecurity?" says researcher Floris Liekens from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Together with the organization 'La Voix des Sans Papiers,' Floris is conducting a participatory research into the feelings of insecurity among undocumented individuals in Brussels. People feel safe in places where they feel welcome, but how does that change for those without residency rights, who are officially allowed nowhere? Which spaces offer them a sense of security? These questions are central to Floris's research. This weekend, his work will come to life through an exhibition that vividly captures the experiences of undocumented individuals. Hosted in a space occupied by ‘La Voix des Sans Papiers', the exhibition is co-curated by people without legal residency, making their perspectives and stories tangible. More information about the exhibition: https://lnkd.in/eHhEWnHj Keep an eye out on wetenschapbrussel.be to discover more about Floris Liekens's inspiring work and get to know the researcher behind the research! Want more? In the coming weeks, wetenschapbrussel channels will be highlighting VUB researchers as part of their ‘Onderzoek(ers) in de kijker’ series. Stay tuned! 👀

🎉 The OpenLab.brussels international conference on participatory research is almost here - a free event open to all! 🎉 Hosted by Université libre de Bruxelles, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and CIVIS - Europe's Civic University Alliance, and supported by F.R.S. - FNRS and Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles and EUTOPIA, this event will bring together an incredible mix of researchers and practitioners to explore how diverse stakeholders can collaborate as co-researchers to create impactful, socially relevant research. 🌍🤝 ⚠️ Day 1 (13/11) is fully booked — but great news: you can still register for Day 2(14/11!) 🚀 Join us for inspiring workshops, insightful panels, and innovative projects that show how participatory research is shaping the future of Brussels and beyond. 🌱📊 👉 Discover the full program here: https://lnkd.in/eivkQEjp 📅 Secure your spot for Day 2 (14/11) today! Register here: https://lnkd.in/emqCK4NQ #OpenLabBrussels #ParticipatoryResearch #CitizenScience #RegisterNow Robin Lebrun Fanny Sbaraglia Benjamin Wayens Floor Keersmaekers Karel Verbrugge Sven De Boeck Vanessa Jubenot Samia Ben Rajeb Carina Veeckman