By Professor Herwig Leirs, Rector of University of Antwerp
This past year has once again challenged us: climate change, digital transformation, and societal polarisation remain pressing issues, while the academic world faces rising expectations with limited funding. Yet, we also see opportunities. At the University of Antwerp, we believe that the future is shaped by research, education, and collaboration.
Our motto, “Shape the future!”, reflects our mission to generate and share knowledge with a generation poised to address complex global challenges. The combination of fundamental research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal engagement remains our guiding principle. By partnering with diverse stakeholders, we take meaningful steps toward sustainable innovation and social progress.
We take pride in our position as a research-intensive university, with an international profile and strong roots in Flanders. Our academic programmes continue to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world, while our research contributes to the forefront of scientific and technological advancements. At the same time, we embrace our social responsibility, putting inclusion and connection at the heart of our policies.
The challenges of tomorrow call for resilience and creativity. The energy transition, the impact of artificial intelligence, and social inequality can only be tackled by uniting forces. Within our university, and through partnerships with forward-looking young universities in networks such as YERUN, we strive to maximise our scientific and societal impact.
With an eye on the future, we will continue to build a university that is nationally and internationally respected, attracts students from all corners of the globe, and serves as a catalyst for sustainable progress.
With these reflections, we wish you a warm end of the year and an inspiring 2024. Let’s shape the future together.
