Herwig Leirs officially started his term as UAntwerp’s fourth rector on September 1st. In this task, he will be assisted by a passionate team of four vice-rectors. Even though they are all well-known both in and outside UAntwerp, we would like to officially introduce them at the start of their term in office.
Connection to the future
Their plan of action? To further build on the strengths UAntwerp already has, with a long-term vision for the coming years. Looking ten years ahead, UAntwerp is a university:
- that is valued both nationally and internationally;
- with research groups that belong to the top in their discipline;
- which attracts students both from our diverse region and from the even more diverse, globalised world;
- that is at the forefront of new and sustainable developments;
- with social impact.
Herwig Leirs – rector
‘With great enthusiasm, I take up the mandate of rector within the University of Antwerp. I love this university, its top-class teaching, its brilliant research, the short distance between students and professors and between staff and managers. I want to preserve and strengthen that for the future.’
Herwig Leirs
Nathalie Dens – vice-rector social engagement and international policy
‘In line with our mission, we aspire to be an engaged university within society.’
Nathalie Dens
Chris Van Ginneken – vice-rector education and student affairs
‘In a dynamic world, we will tackle the challenge together to allow education to evolve seamlessly with new expectations and technologies.’
Chris Van Ginneken
Steven Van Passel – vice-rector valorisation and sustainability
‘Broadening and improving valorization and resolutely choosing for valuable, sustainable, long-term impact.’
Steven Van Passel
Maarten Weyn – vice-rector research and impact
‘Our university boasts highly respected and acclaimed research that had great impact. We should all feel confident in highlighting that more.’
Maarten Weyn