In his opening remarks, VLIR President Bernard Vanheusden noted that universities today operate in an environment marked by growing societal, political, and geopolitical pressures. Nevertheless, they remain essential actors in the advancement of knowledge, innovation, and the strengthening of democratic societies. The central question posed at this meeting was therefore the following: how can we enable universities to continue to fully assume their role—and to strengthen it—within an increasingly complex framework?

Following this introduction, CRef President Anne-Sophie Nyssen, addressing the forum’s guest—Major An-Roos De Potter of the Royal Military College—highlighted the growing importance of interactions between defense, research, and innovation. Against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and defense actors is gradually becoming an unavoidable reality, both to support technological advancements and to contribute to Europe’s strategic resilience, without losing sight of the ethical requirements that must guide these developments.

Discussions then turned to several concrete issues with a direct impact on the functioning and future of higher education and research. The attractiveness of academic careers was a top priority, with particular attention paid to the impact of the recent pension reform as well as the tax status of postdoctoral researchers engaged in international mobility. The discussions also underscored the fundamental importance of academic freedom and institutional autonomy, in a context where these principles are facing new pressures.

During the session dedicated to scientific research, topics addressed included the development of strategic fields such as defense and space, major research infrastructures, and the terms of cooperation with federal partners. The productive nature of the discussions led the ten vice-rectors for research to agree to meet more regularly, twice a year rather than once.

In the session dedicated to international relations, discussions focused notably on knowledge security, participation in European programs, and strengthening partnerships with the Global South. Finally, the session devoted to teaching looked toward the future of education, addressing topics such as lifelong learning, micro-certifications, and the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and assessment. On the sidelines of the CRef-VLIR forum, TTOs/KTOs from all universities also met to discuss, in particular, the implementation of a responsible licensing policy and the integration of artificial intelligence into knowledge transfer practices.

As the discussions unfolded, one conclusion became clear: the challenges facing universities cannot be addressed in isolation. They require a coordinated approach, based both on enhanced cooperation among universities and on close dialogue with public authorities. The universities thus emphasized the need for greater policy coherence at the federal and federated levels, for structural consultation with governments and ministries, as well as for a regulatory framework conducive to international cooperation and talent mobility.

Ultimately, the CRef-VLIR forum emphasizes that collaboration among universities is no longer an optional choice, but an essential condition for attracting and retaining talent, stimulating innovation, and contributing to societal and economic resilience. As was reiterated at the opening, no institution can meet these challenges alone.

Through this forum, Belgian universities are sending a clear message to policymakers: a robust higher education and research system requires coherent policies, legal certainty, and investments commensurate with the stakes. In the coming months, VLIR and CRef intend to continue this dialogue with governments and parliaments to develop sustainable and resolutely forward-looking solutions.

Contacts
  • Anne-Sophie Nyssen, President of CRef and Rector of ULiège
  • Sophie Dufays, Administrative Manager of the CRef Secretariat, sophie.dufays@cref.be, 02 504 93 37
  • Bernard Vanheusden, Chair of VLIR and Rector of UHasselt, 0473 48 83 34; Koen Santermans, 0473 26 53 10
  • Koen Verlaeckt, Secretary General of VLIR, koen.verlaeckt@vlir.be, 0477 27 11 95