How does the University of Antwerp make a difference?

Steven: “Our university takes responsibility for delivering talent that matches the needs of Antwerp’s diverse labour market including chemistry, the port, logistics, mobility, and healthcare. Our nine faculties, spread across the city, cultivate this talent. Like every university, we have a strong link between research and education. However, we also emphasise the connection between education and valorisation. We translate scientific discoveries and insights into real-world benefits through commercialisation, industry partnerships, public engagement, and policy influence. Our academic work has a tangible impact on society, the economy and various sectors. We encourage entrepreneurship among our students and prioritise campus interaction. We aim to be an entrepreneurial university that helps build the future. Our multidisciplinary approach and relatively small size allow us to be agile and responsive.”

How do the university and Belgian and international companies work together?

Steven: “When companies are seeking solutions to problems, they come to us. This collaboration can range from a single master’s thesis to multi-million-euro research projects. Innovation is key. Some projects evolve into spin-offs, growing into standalone companies over time.”

Maarten: “And innovation often starts with research – a process we call a technology push.”

Do you also work with demand-driven fields?

Steven: “Yes, it’s our job to identify societal needs. For example, we have valorisation teams focused on sustainable chemistry. We founded an electrification institute where top researchers study plasma and new battery technologies. We aim to develop the technologies needed for 2040 and 2050.”

Maarten: “Our proximity to Antwerp’s chemical cluster facilitates starting projects with companies. We instil the importance of a fossil-free industry in our students, preparing them to implement these principles in the labour market.”

Steven: “With our open innovation hub BlueApp, researchers and entrepreneurs receive critical support with labs, equipment and knowledge so that they can bring ideas to market more quickly. Infectious diseases have always been a significant point of focus in Antwerp, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported by diagnostic data, we aim to improve healthcare practices. At Vaccinopolis, we research and trial vaccines of the future.”

Maarten: “We view Antwerp as a living lab. While Antwerp is smaller than cities like London or New York, its diversity, proximity to key sectors, and challenges such as mobility make it an ideal testbed for solutions applicable to larger cities like Singapore or Hong Kong. We aim to attract international players and offer independent, critical support to companies.”

Which project is particularly close to your heart?

Steven: “Everything related to sustainability issues. I strive to balance sustainability with economic and social components. Moving too fast can harm businesses, and moving too slowly harms the climate. I aim to achieve a win-win for all involved, sometimes by making economic compromises and sometimes by making sustainable ones. It’s our job to explain and promote this balance continuously.”

Maarten: “The social component is crucial. In developing new vaccines, we consider how to make them accessible to everyone, including those hesitant about vaccination. We believe in a future where innovation and inclusivity go hand in hand.”