Jan Danckaert will be the new Chancellor of VUB starting next school year after receiving 62.7% of the votes, according to a VUB press release. He ran against Dirk Devroey.
"The task that awaits me will not be easy, but I am confident that together we can make VUB even greater," Danckaert said Tuesday morning when the results were announced. "Together we will make VUB sufficiently decisive and agile to be ready for the challenges that await us."
He plans to focus on the university’s scientific research, educational attainments and social impact. Living through socially turbulent times means the university needs to be agile, strong and flexible. Danckaert believes that the best way to do that is to simplify administrative processes and make governance structures lighter.
Tweet translation: "I am very grateful. I would also like to @dokter_devroey for the competitive and fair campaign and debates. The task that awaits me will not be easy, but I have full confidence that together we can make the VUB even greater."
"Transversal issues, including well-being, sustainability, inclusion and diversity, must also be higher on the policy agenda," he said.
Danckaert has been a professor at VUB since 2005 in the Sciences and (Bio-)Engineering faculty where he still teaches physics. Previously, he served as the Vice-Chancellor and has been the Chancellor ad-interim since March when Caroline Pauwels resigned due to illness.
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"Being rector of this great VUB is a privilege, and for me it was also a real gift," Pauwels said. "I have enjoyed doing it every day, and I wish that same pleasure for Jan Danckaert."
All staff members of VUB and UZ Brussel as well as all VUB students were eligible to participate in the election.
