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Jan Danckaert succeeds Caroline Pauwels as VUB’s rector ad-interim

09:35 06/03/2022

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has confirmed that Jan Danckaert will take over from rector Caroline Pauwels who recently stepped down from the position due to illness.

Danckaert, vice-rector for education and student policy, assumes the role of ad interim rector until the start of the 2022-23 academic year, the university announced last week.

The physics professor will continue to roll out Pauwel’s policy plan and priorities with the assistance of vice-rectors Karina Vanderkerken (research policy), Romain Meeusen (internationalisation) and Hugo Thienpont (innovation and valorisation).

Meanwhile, elections for a new rector will be organised with the term of office to begin at the start of the 2022-23 academic year.

Prof Danckaert said that it was with mixed feelings that he took over Pauwel’s duties. “We deeply regret her departure due to illness, but we will continue to implement the policy priorities that were so close to her heart with passion and dedication.”

“As a team, we will continue to realise Caroline’s vision of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel as an urban engaged university,” he added.

Written by The Bulletin