Pintra (EN) Blog
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.
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.
Whether it’s a city tour, chocolate workshop or introduction to axe throwing, the activities organised by MONDO always fill up quickly. The idea behind the network is to bring international students, researchers and staff members together in an informal setting. After five years, the initiative is still going strong.
Diversity as an added value and inclusivity as the norm – these areas of focus of UAntwerp do not only apply to UAntwerp’s education and policy, but also to the structure and usage of its buildings. We talked to Maddie De Pauw, expert construction projects, about an inclusive campus.
Veronique Rega from the Library and Archives Department explains how the renovation of the library on Campus Groenenborger was a collaboration with students.