Pintra (EN) Blog
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.
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.
March 8 marks International Women’s Day. With 52% female employees, UAntwerp seems to be performing well in terms of gender equality. But there’s a caveat: in the highest academic ranks, eight out of ten professors are still men. “How can women advance? The first step is to talk about your ambitions.”
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.
The feather is a prize passed on from one UAntwerp colleague to another in recognition of their efforts or achievements. This time, Prorector Herman Van Goethem passes the feather on to the whole Rector’s Office.
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.
About two and a half years after the fire, the majority of the employees in the Buildings …
As a valorisation manager at the Faculty of Design Sciences, Svetlana Samsonova is the greatest believer in the power of collaboration you’ll find. ‘A designer that designs work clothes for the port personnel? I also thought it was a surprising combination, but everyone was happy with the result.’
Rather than just a safe space, Professor Gert Van Hecken from the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) aims to create a “brave space” in his classes. “The goal is to allow different perspectives to be voiced, even those that clash with what we typically take for granted.” A conversation about active pluralism and how he translates this value into practice as a professor and lecturer.
In our country, professors and researchers have complete academic freedom, as shown in the Academic Freedom Index. This seems so self-explanatory that we sometimes forget how important it is. ‘As an academic, you have to have the freedom to challenge prevailing views,’ says Professor Tom Sauer of the Department of Political Science.
The Committee for Scientific Integrity (CWI), set up to investigate infractions of scientific integrity, has a very …
“Scientific integrity: good practices help to avoid pitfalls”
Margot Bloemen had just become a mum when she got the itch to study for a master degree. Thanks to the support of her department and faculty, she manages to combine studies, work and motherhood well. ‘It’s nice to work in an organisation that encourages you to chart your own path’, says Margot.
