What Does Vrije Universiteit Brussel Do?

Total employees3850
HeadquartersBrussels
Founded1970

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a dynamic, modern, and public Dutch-speaking university located in Brussels, Belgium. Established in 1970 after splitting from the French-speaking Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), VUB is renowned for its high-quality education and research, with a strong emphasis on the principles of free inquiry. It offers a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, attracting a diverse international student body. VUB is committed to societal impact, innovation, and fostering critical thinking among its students and researchers.

Where Is Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Headquarters?

Vrije Universiteit Brussel officeVrije Universiteit Brussel officeVrije Universiteit Brussel officeVrije Universiteit Brussel office
*Images sourced via web search. Rights belong to original owners

HQ Function

The main campus serves as the primary hub for most faculties, central administration, research laboratories, main library, student services, sports facilities, and cultural activities.

Notable Features:

Expansive green campus, modern architectural buildings including the iconic 'Braemgebouw' (rectorate), advanced research facilities, extensive sports complex, and the KultuurKaffee. Aula Q is a prominent lecture hall.

Work Culture:

Characterized by academic freedom, collaborative research, a vibrant international community, and a strong focus on critical thinking and societal engagement. It fosters an open and inclusive environment for students and staff.

HQ Significance:

As the heart of VUB, the Etterbeek campus embodies its commitment to providing comprehensive education and pioneering research in the capital of Europe. It's a major center for Dutch-language higher education in Brussels.

Values Reflected in HQ: The campus design and its continuous development reflect VUB's values of openness, innovation, sustainability, and community.

Location:

VUB maintains a significant global presence through extensive international collaborations, research partnerships with universities and institutions worldwide, and active participation in European and global academic networks (e.g., EUTOPIA European University alliance). It attracts a large number of international students and researchers, contributing to a multicultural academic environment. Its location in Brussels, the capital of Europe, further facilitates its international outreach and engagement with global policy and research initiatives.

Street Address:

Pleinlaan 2

City:

Brussels

State/Province:

Brussels-Capital Region

Country:

Belgium

Where Else Does Vrije Universiteit Brussel Operate Around the World?

Jette, Brussels, Belgium

Address: Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Jette, Belgium

Serves as VUB's primary center for health sciences, fostering close collaboration between academic research, medical training, and clinical practice at UZ Brussel, benefiting the wider Brussels region and beyond.

Anderlecht, Brussels, Belgium

Address: Lenniksebaan 806, 1070 Anderlecht, Belgium

Provides specialized vocational training and applied research, particularly in food and fermentation sciences, contributing to skills development and industry innovation in the region.

Elsene, Brussels, Belgium

Address: Generaal Jacqueslaan 271, 1050 Elsene, Belgium (USquare.brussels site)

To create a vibrant, sustainable, and international quarter focused on knowledge sharing, research valorization, and university-city interaction, enhancing Brussels' appeal as an innovation hub.

Buying Intent Signals for Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Vrije Universiteit Brussel? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Vrije Universiteit Brussel' leadership includes:

Prof. Dr. Jan Danckaert - Rector
Prof. Dr. Pieter Ballon - Vice-Rector Research
Prof. Dr. Nadine Bourgeois - Vice-Rector Education & Student Policy
Prof. Dr. Hugo Thienpont - Vice-Rector Innovation & Industry Relations
Prof. Dr. Karin Vanderkerken - Vice-Rector Internationalisation Policy

Who's Investing in Vrije Universiteit Brussel?

Vrije Universiteit Brussel has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Flemish Government (Primary public funding)
Tuition Fees
Research Grants (e.g., Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), European Research Council (ERC), Horizon Europe)
Contract Research for public and private sector
Donations and Legacies
Asset Management

What Leadership Changes Has Vrije Universiteit Brussel Seen Recently?

Hire1
Exits1

The most significant recent executive change was the election and appointment of Prof. Dr. Jan Danckaert as Rector in 2022, succeeding Prof. Dr. Caroline Pauwels. Vice-Rectors are typically appointed for the Rector's term.

Departures

Prof. Dr. Caroline Pauwels, Prof. Dr. Caroline Pauwels' term as Rector concluded. (Note: Prof. Pauwels sadly passed away in August 2022, prior to the official end of her term but after the election of her successor).

New Appointments:

Prof. Dr. Jan Danckaert, Prof. Dr. Jan Danckaert appointed as Rector following the university elections.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byVrije Universiteit Brussel?

Discover the tools Vrije Universiteit Brussel uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel Email Formats and Examples

Vrije Universiteit Brussel primarily uses the email format firstname.lastname@vub.be for its staff and students. Variations may exist, but this is the most common structure.

firstname.lastname@vub.be

Format

john.doe@vub.be

Example

95%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Vrije Universiteit Brussel?

VUB Today2024-05-15

VUB and ULB launch ambitious interuniversity project USquare.Brussels

Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Université libre de Bruxelles are transforming the former Fritz Toussaint barracks into USquare.Brussels, a vibrant new university quarter. It will feature family and student housing, research facilities, an alternative food market, and spaces for culture and sport....more

VUB Today2024-04-23

VUB researchers develop new method for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

A research team at VUB, led by Prof. Ann Massie, has developed a promising new technique that could enable earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, potentially years before current methods allow....more

The Brussels Times2023-09-07

VUB ranks among world's top 20 sustainable universities

Vrije Universiteit Brussel has been recognized for its sustainability efforts, ranking 18th globally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024. The university scored particularly well in 'environmental impact' and 'governance'....more

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