VUB honours final-year secondary school pupils with awards for critical thinking and STEM
25 June 2026 – More than 200 secondary schools across Flanders and Brussels are taking part this year in an initiative organised by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), in which graduating pupils are awarded a book prize during their graduation ceremony. The university is providing schools with book packages enabling them to recognise two pupils: one who excels in critical thinking and one with a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) profile. The winners are pupils in their sixth year of secondary school who, according to their school, demonstrate a particular aptitude for independent thinking, social reflection or scientific skills. Each school decides independently which pupils are eligible for the award. The VUB aims to encourage pupils to think carefully about future-oriented study and career choices.
Growing demand for STEM profiles
Through these awards, the VUB aims not only to recognise strong academic performance but also to draw attention to the growing importance of STEM programmes. Sectors such as technology, healthcare, artificial intelligence and climate research are increasingly in need of scientifically and technically trained professionals.
However,according to VUB Rector Jan Danckaert, many talented young people with an interest in science and technology are still not choosing STEM courses in sufficient numbers.“We need young people who want to help build solutions to the challenges oftomorrow,” he says.“STEM courses play a key role in this. As a university, we therefore have a responsibility to actively encourage young people and help them develop their talents further. With this book package, we aim to inspire them to follow their curiosity and further develop their STEM talents.”
Two books with a clear message
This year’s award for critical thinking goes to *Women in Dark Times*, an inspiring book by Alicja Gescinska. Through ten biographical portraits, she shows what humanity can learn from women who are as courageous as they are intelligent.
For this year’s STEM prize, the VUB has chosen *Homo Roboticus * by Bram Vanderborght. The book highlights how robotics and artificial intelligence are having an ever-greater influence on our daily lives and our future, and why technological innovation remains crucial for the society of tomorrow.
Tineke Sonck
