VUB Research

Last week, two Vrije Universiteit Brussel researchers proudly took the stage at the DOCVILLE - Documentary Film Festival, Leuven Science Pitch 2025. DOCVILLE’s Science Pitch connects researchers with filmmakers for a chance to co-create a short science documentary. A powerful way to make science resonate with the public! 🎥   🔬 Jette Ritz brought us into the world of space pharmacology, explaining how gravity-free environments affect how medicines are metabolized in the human body. Her research is paving the way for better treatments for astronauts — crucial for future space missions.   🌍 Ravi Sharma Sharma Ph.D. shed light on the invisible threat of PFAS pollution and the innovative methods developed at VUB to remove these harmful chemicals from water. His work is a vital step towards clean water and a healthier future.   Congratulations to Jette and Ravi for representing VUB at the Science Pitch and fingers crossed that their research stories will be chosen to become one of the documentaries premiering at DOCVILLE 2026. 🤞

💪 Another Proud Announcement Incoming Learn about contemporary insights through old tracks! On Thursday April 10th, at the EUTOPIA Science and Innovation Fellowship Seminar series, VUB researcher SWAGATA CHAUDHURI, will be presenting his research. Dr Chaudhuri will present “Ancient Earth, Modern Warning: Climate Lessons from the Fossils” supervised by prof. Philippe Claeys of the Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geo-Chemistry research group. You can join the seminar via zoom https://lnkd.in/e6jgqZ62 from 13.00-14.00.  #vub #research #archeology

We are delighted to share that VUB researcher Cristina Deidda will be presenting her research at the upcoming EUTOPIA SIF-seminar. The EUTOPIA Science and Innovation Fellowship Seminar series showcases three diverse research projects every two weeks. On Thursday April 3rd, Dr Deidda will present “C-Impact. Compound Impacts in MultiPle sectors Attributed to Climate Trends” supervised by prof. Wim Thiery of the Water & Climate research group. You can join the seminar via zoom from 13.00-14.00. 👉 https://lnkd.in/e6jgqZ62

Tonight at DOCVILLE - Documentary Film Festival, Leuven a documentary about the research of Pim Kaskes and Cem Berk Senel will premiere. Read all about it now! https://lnkd.in/eXK9NEdh

We are thrilled to announce that Vrije Universiteit Brussel researcher Ashima Bajaj will be presenting her research at the upcoming EUTOPIA Science and Innovation Fellowship Seminar! 🎙️✨ The EUTOPIA SIF Seminar Series brings together groundbreaking research projects every two weeks, offering a platform for researchers to share their insights and spark meaningful discussions. 🔬 Dr. Bajaj’s talk: "Predicting Reaction Mechanisms with Quantum Chemical Reactivity Descriptors: How far can Machine Learning take us?" 📌 Supervised by: Prof. De Proft Frank, ALGC General Chemistry research group 📅 Date: Thursday, March 27th ⏰ Time: 13:00 - 14:30 🔗 Join via Zoom: https://lnkd.in/enVbVKcz Don't miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of quantum chemistry and machine learning! 🔍🤖 #VUBResearch #EUTOPIA #QuantumChemistry #MachineLearning #ScientificInnovation

👏 VUB Chair Traces of the Resistance made it to international press. Read all about this wonderful initiative in The Guardian. Congrats to Nel de Mûelenaere on this inspiring and impactful project.

Interested in doing research at VUB? Check out our new website with open positions!

VUB-researcher in the picture 🔎 "Almost everyone with a vulva has felt insecure about it at some point. But where do these insecurities come from and how do they shape our choices?" says Dr. Hannelore Van Bavel from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (RHEA - Research Centre for gender, diversity and intersectionality). With female genital cosmetic surgery on the rise, Hannelore dives into the motivations behind these procedures. Through interviews, focus groups and even painting sessions she explores how people experience their vulvas and navigate societal and medical pressures. 📰 Curious about her research? Read more about her inspiring work here: https://lnkd.in/etzTSWEy 📽️ Want to learn more about Hannelore’s journey as a researcher? Watch this video: https://lnkd.in/esS9igWf   Follow wetenschapbrussel.be for more insights into the work of passionate VUB researchers as part of their ‘Onderzoek(ers) in de kijker’ series! 👀 

"Gender equality improves the quality of research" That is the statement Tania Van Loon makes in this inspiring interview. Thank you for your insights, Tania! #genderequality #Research #VUB

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting the ERC inaugural lecture "Europe: Player and Playground?" together with the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. It was a thought-provoking evening where Professor Luis Simon shed light on his ambitious ERC project on Europe’s strategic position in international politics. 🌍   A huge thank you to Luis Simon for his insightful lecture, as well as to his team members Daniel Fiott and Giulia Tercovich for their valuable contributions. We also extend our gratitude to Pieter Ballon, VUB Vice-Rector of Research, for opening the event.   The packed room and engaging discussion after the lecture highlighted the relevance of this topic. As global power dynamics shift, Europe faces a critical choice: strengthen its strategic autonomy or risk being shaped by external forces.   Swipe through the pictures to relive the evening! 📸 ©Thierry Geenen