Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Université Libre de Bruxelles
The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) share a common origin, dating back to 1834 — just four years after the creation of Belgium — when Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen founded the Université Libre de Belgique, which was renamed Université libre de Bruxelles in 1842. In 1969, the Dutch-speaking Vrije Universiteit Brussel was established as an autonomous institution, mainting strong ties with the French-speaking ULB. Both universities have always been co-located in Ixelles, Brussels, and continue to uphold the same strong, shared values of freedom, equality and fraternity in addition to a critical attitude and an open, creative mind.
Building I
Building I, along with buildings X and Y, was inaugurated at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences and Engineering campus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 2019. With this new, eye-catching and environmentally friendly complex, which includes education and research infrastructure, the university wants to increase its capacity following its continued recent growth.
The IXY complex covers more than 33,000m². The I building has 14 classrooms and auditoriums equipped with the latest technological teaching facilities. The X building comprises 650 student rooms and numerous student services, such as housing, financing and employment. The pillar-shaped building Y, with exhibition spaces, a bar and a concert hall, will be the site of Pilar, the culture house that succeeds the legendary KultuurKaffee.
The three modern buildings are built along a new avenue surrounded by trees that connects the heart of the campus with the edge of Triomflaan. This allows the university not only to emphasise its green character, but also to create a clear gateway between the university and its surroundings.
Reaching the Venue
Brussels is well-connected and can be reached by car, train or aeroplane. The main airport is Brussels Airport located in the city of Zaventem, just outside of Brussels. Attendees who fly into this airport have the convenient option of taking a train directly inside the airport to the 3 main train stations Brussels Nord, Brussels Central and Brussels South (Midi), but also to Etterbeek, the station next to the Venue at the VUB and ULB campuses. There are also taxis and busses nearby. The low-fare airport Brussels South Charleroi Airport is located about an hour’s drive from Brussels city but you can book a shuttle bus in advance.
When travelling to Brussels by train, there are multiple train stops inside the city which are also connected to other public transport options such as bus, tram and metro. Most international trains stop at Brussels-Midi (Bruxelles-Midi in French). For any train travel within Belgium, we recommend checking the official website.
For attendees who plan to travel by car, we highlight that Brussels is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). We advise you to check in advance whether your vehicle is allowed.
The campus is easily accessible using public transport. There is a train stop next to the VUB and ULB called “Etterbeek Station”, with at least two direct trains per hour coming from Brussels South, Central and North stations. On all sides of the campus, there are multiple bus and tram stops, serviced among others by buses 95 (coming from the Grand-Place in Central Brussels) and tram 25 (coming from Brussels North train station). There are also metro stops “Petillon” and “Delta” both approximately 10 minutes walking from the venue buildings, serviced by metro line 5 which crosses Brussels from West to East and passes through downtown. All public transport operated in Brussels by the MIVB offers contactless payment with credit/debit card inside the vehicle. You can also buy a Brupass ticket for multiple rides. Google Maps is well integrated with the public transport schedule, making it easy to plan your trips in advance.
Below is the official campus map, with Building I encircled in red. The various public transportation options – trains, trams (7, 25), busses (34, 95, …) and subway (5) – are clearly indicated.
Hotels Nearby
There are several hotels close to the conference venue, besides many more in the city center. Click the image below to open the map of nearby hotels.
