VUB Academic Opening: Science as a Public Good
Opening speech by rector-elect Jan Danckaert
Tuesday 27 September 2022 – 15.00 – Ropsy Chaudronstraat 24, 1070 Kuregem (Anderlecht)
Dear journalist
Following annual tradition, VUB is celebrating the start of the academic year with an opening session. This year, it takes place in the impressive setting of the iconic, listed Abbatoir market hall in the Anderlecht district of Kuregem. Rector-elect Jan Danckaert will deliver his first opening speech and give his vision on the role of science for a world in transition and crisis. The entire VUB community will also pay tribute to the much-missed honorary rectors Caroline Pauwels and Paul de Knop.
We would like to invite you to attend this Academic Opening on 27 September. After the opening session, Jan Danckaert will be available for interviews. Will you be there, and would you like a conversation with the rector? Please contact spokesperson Nathalie Vlaemynck on 0479 87 23 26 or [email protected]
Programme (15.00-18.00):
- Welcome by mayor of Anderlecht Fabrice Cumps
- Introduction by president of the VUB Board of Directors Karsten De Clerck
- About the site: Elke Tiebout, CEO Abattoir
- Speech by students
- Tribute to honorary rectors Paul De Knop and Caroline Pauwels
- Opening speech VUB rector Jan Danckaert: Science as a public good
- Closure: Song of No Language
- Reception
Accessibility
By public transport
The Abattoir market hall is located at Ropsy Chaudronstraat 24 in Anderlecht. The easiest way to reach it is by public transport: take metro line 2 and get off at Clemenceau or Delacroix station. You can also take bus 46 and get off at Clemenceau.
By car via the Ring
Take exit 13, Dilbeek-Ninove-Molenbeek.
From Ghent-Antwerp: turn left, follow Ninoofsesteenweg until the 9th traffic lights.
From Bergen-Paris: turn right, follow Ninoofsesteenweg until the 8th traffic lights. At the traffic lights: turn right, follow the tram tracks, cross the Charleroi Canal. Jules Ruhlstraat is on the right, just past the canal. The entrance to the Delacroix car park is halfway down this street.
By car via the inner ring road
At Zuidstation, head towards Baraplein and follow Avenue Clémenceau. At the crossroads with Bergensesteenweg, continue straight on along Ropsy Chaudronstraat. Pass the two bull statues on your left and 50m further on your left is Jules Ruhlstraat, with the entrance to the Delacroix car park halfway along this street.
