Free University Brussels (VUB) opens its doors to censored American researchers

University allocates funding and contact point for U.S. scholars looking to relocate to Brussels

2025-03-17

(Press-News.org) The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is opening 12 postdoctoral positions for international researchers, with a specific focus on American scholars working in socially significant fields. These prestigious fellowships come with substantial funding (€2.5 million) as part of the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) program. Additionally, as part of the Brains for Brussels initiative, VUB aims to actively attract American professors looking to relocate. In collaboration with its Francophone sister university ULB, VUB is also providing 18 apartments for international researchers seeking temporary residence at the Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies.

VUB's initiative is a response to the alarming political interference in academic research by the Trump administration in the U.S. The university is taking a firm stand against these developments. "Our university is freeing up funds and establishing a dedicated contact point for American researchers who want to continue their work in Brussels," says VUB Rector Jan Danckaert. "U.S. universities and their scholars are the biggest victims of this political and ideological interference. They are seeing millions in research funding disappear for ideological reasons. European universities are also being affected. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel has already experienced this firsthand, becoming one of the first Flemish institutions impacted by the Trump administration. Recently, two research projects we had approved in collaboration with U.S. partners were canceled due to 'changed policy priorities.' One project focused on Youth and Disinformation, while the other explored the Transatlantic Dialogue between the U.S. and Europe."

"As a European pioneer in climate research, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial intelligence (AI), and geopolitical security, VUB offers an excellent environment where top American researchers can work freely," Rector Danckaert emphasizes. "Our university is committed to actively supporting free academic inquiry. VUB was founded in 1834 precisely to safeguard academic freedom, free from interference by church or state. We see it as our duty to assist our American colleagues."

Following the terrorist attacks of March 22, 2016, in Brussels, then-President Trump famously referred to the Belgian capital, specifically the Brussels district of Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, as a "hellhole," a remark that sparked strong emotional reactions across Europe. This makes VUB's initiative even more symbolically significant.

To assist American researchers, VUB is launching a revamped website featuring its academic job openings (academicpositions.com/employer/vrije-universiteit-brussel). Additionally, VUB has set up a dedicated contact point (research.welcome@vub.be) where U.S. researchers can find information about research programs, visa applications, and life and work in Brussels.

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