In response to the "alarming political interference" of the Trump administration in academic research in the United States, the Brussels VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) wants to bring American researchers to the Belgian capital.
The university 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) programme.
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 (Université Libre de Bruxelles), VUB is also providing 18 apartments for international researchers seeking temporary residence at the Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies.
'Changed policy priorities'
"Our university is freeing up funds and establishing a dedicated contact point for American researchers who want to continue their work in Brussels," said VUB chancellor Jan Danckaert in a press release. "US 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, he said, adding that the VUB has already experienced this firsthand and became one of the first Flemish institutions impacted by the Trump administration. "Recently, two research projects we had approved in collaboration with US partners were cancelled due to 'changed policy priorities.'"
One project focused on Youth and Disinformation, while the other explored the Transatlantic Dialogue between the US and Europe.
"As a European pioneer in climate research, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), artificial intelligence (AI), and geopolitical security, VUB offers an excellent environment where top American researchers can work freely," Danckaert stressed.
Credit: Belga/James Arthur Gekiere
VUB is committed to actively supporting free academic inquiry, he stressed. "The university 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 22 March 2016 in Brussels, Trump – in his first term of office at the time – famously referred to the Belgian capital, specifically the municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, as a "hellhole". The remark sparked strong emotional reactions across Europe, which 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 US researchers can find information about research programs, visa applications, and life and work in Brussels.
