Pintra (EN) Blog
Every year, we look forward to Unifiesta, the UAntwerp staff party. This year’s edition – the seventh one – didn’t disappoint. With more than 1800 enthusiastic employees, it was a lively party full of music, socialising and tradition — a true celebration of who we are as a university: connected, open and full of energy.
At UAntwerp, we believe that health isn’t a sprint – it’s a choice you make every day. Exercising doesn’t need to be intense or time-consuming to enhance your well-being. From active commuting to short walking breaks, from running in the park to taking the stairs at work – every step counts.
Colleagues share their experiences, tips and small habits that bring more energy, focus and balance to their workdays. Be inspired by how they stay active – both literally and figuratively.
How can you respond as a witness to inappropriate behaviour without putting yourself in a difficult position? That question is at the heart of a new bystander training programme now available at UAntwerp. The initiative is timely, as Lien Smets, training officer at HR (DP&O), explains why the training is more important than ever.
This year’s Antwerp 10 Miles was more popular than ever: all tickets sold out in less than two days. Thanks to a collaboration with Golazo, UAntwerpen secured 625 tickets exclusively for AUHA students — and these were snapped up even before the regular sale began.
Design is about more than shiny lifestyle products or aesthetic objects. Design is essentially a way of thinking, a methodical approach to solving complex problems. This is the point of departure for the new postgraduate programme Leading Change by Design, developed by UAntwerp in cooperation with a network of experts. It’s a transdisciplinary programme that prepares students and professionals to take an active role in social transitions through design.
The Diversity & Inclusion Team organised focus groups to explore the experiences of colleagues with disabilities. Those with invisible disabilities, such as autism, ADHD, or chronic illnesses, often hesitate to speak up, fearing misunderstanding or lack of change. The discussions highlighted a strong need for role models, a safe environment, and clear information about available support. Flexibility in work arrangements and practical adjustments were also seen as essential. Two colleagues share their experiences here.
A faculty thrives on collaboration, but how do you ensure that colleagues truly feel heard? Tom Breugelmans, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Engineering (FTI), found inspiration on the radio: a daily check-in as a way to connect. Meeting every morning wasn’t feasible, but the idea stuck. The result? Voluntary one-on-one coffee moments between the dean and the FTI ZAP members, arranged by appointment. Now, years later, the initiative is a proven success.
In a few months, 11000 students in Antwerp will graduate, a milestone and the start of a new chapter. To help them prepare, AUHA hosted the first edition of Moving Forward on 26 February at Antwerp Expo. More than just a job fair, it became a hub for talent, employers, and entrepreneurship. Over 3000 students attended this successful launch.
This year, Building K on Stadscampus was the backdrop for our New Year’s reception. More than 800 colleagues raised their glass to a splendid 2025.
Alain Verschoren, a passionate professor of mathematics and charming leader, died on 27 November 2020. To help compensate, the university has made a film portrait of its former rector.
In November of last year, many employees took on the challenge of reaching one million steps as a team. It was a resounding success, so we’re launching a new challenge in March. This time, we’ll be moving for a good cause, and students can also participate. Why did so many people participate last year? And what’s different this time, other than the reward?
Even in this unusual year, the number of new enrolments at our university has once again increased. By 10 October, 2935 students had enrolled at the University of Antwerp after their final year of secondary education. That’s an increase of about 2%.