News

Welcome to The UM Brussels Hub News page, a window into the dynamic landscape of European engagement at Maastricht University. The Hub is committed to keeping you abreast of the latest developments and initiatives within the European bubble.

From groundbreaking research to innovative projects and engaging events, this news page is your gateway to staying informed and inspired. Explore the diverse range of activities, interviews with faculty members, and researchers, all delving into European topics that contributue to UM's public affairs strategy.

Discover insights into academic endeavors, community outreach initiatives, and collaborations that underscore UM's dedication to becoming The European University of the Netherlands. Join us as we navigate the complexities of Europe and celebrate UM's role in shaping its trajectory.

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UM Brussels Hub inaugurates its new Brussels representation

On 3 October 2024, UM inaugurated its new Brussels representation, the Maastricht University Brussels Hub. The event was attended by UM staff, UM alumni, European Union officials, regional and national representatives, international partners, and Brussels-based stakeholders from the education, research, and innovation sector. The inauguration revolved around the theme “Joining forces between academia and policy to tackle Europe’s priorities” in the framework of the new European mandate that emerged from the recent European Parliament elections and appointment of the new European Commission currently underway.

The programme featured a mix of academics and policy makers with Prof. Dr. Rianne Letschert (President UM), Ambassador Mr. Michael Stibbe (Deputy Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the European Union), Ms. Magda De Carli (Deputy Director for the European Research Area & Innovation at the European Commission) and Prof. Dr. Christine Neuhold (Dean UM Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences). Their speeches focused on UM's European ambitions, on the need to increase investment in education, research and innovation to secure Europe’s prosperity, and on the importance of strengthening the collaboration between academia and policymakers. 

UM Brussels Hub openening
The symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together representatives from UM, the Dutch Government, and the European Commission, emphasising cooperation between universities, national governments, and the European Union.

Expanding Collaborative Horizons: Welcoming New Partners to the UM Brussels Hub

The Hub is happy to announce that two UM partners will join Maastricht University’s new shared office space in Brussels: the Management Office of the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) Alliance and the Secretariat of the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER). UM is a founding partner of YUFE and is currently chairing its Strategic Council; UM is also member of ASPHER through the Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences (FHML). Following the recent announcement of its relocation to Arts 47 in Brussels, the UM Brussels Hub has actively sought partnerships with Brussels-based organisations that were looking for shared office space in the European Quarter. This process has been carried out collaboratively with the Hub’s Sounding Board and with the support of the Maastricht University Office. The aim was to secure strategic partnerships in line with UM’s internationalisation policy and position as the European University of the Netherlands, aiming to generate synergies and strengthen networks with like-minded organisations. 

UM Brussels Hub

The Hub will be staffed by a Brussels-based team: a European Union (EU) Liaison Officer & Policy Advisor and a Communications Advisor & Community Manager.  Within UM, they will operate the Hub in close coordination with UM colleagues at central and faculty level. At the Hub, they will also work together with YUFE and ASPHER on strategic activities, drawing upon their combined knowledge, experience, and networks. Through this collaborative arrangement, all parties stand to gain from shared resources and expertise, with the Hub aiming to generate new synergies, nurture ongoing initiatives, and stimulate new activities. 

Maastricht University Brussels Hub brings UM closer to the European arena by building networks and facilitating community-led meetings, monitoring and advising on EU policy, positioning UM and advocating for its interests, and supporting EU research and innovation funding acquisition. This in turn provides UM staff and students with more opportunities and greater access to a wider audience. 

The consolidation of significant partnerships within the Hub highlights UM's commitment to strengthening its reputation as the European University of The Netherlands, while also demonstrating its dedication to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivating a strong European presence.