Brussels Hub
The Maastricht University Brussels Hub, part of UM’s International Office, specialises in European public affairs, building on the expertise developed by Campus Brussels as UM’s representation in the European Union capital. The International Office supports Maastricht University (UM) in achieving its academic and societal goals by strengthening UM’s position and impact as a European university with a global outlook, firmly rooted in the region. In this context, the Brussels Hub supports initiatives in European collaboration in education, research, and innovation that align with UM’s strategic priorities.
The Hub also functions as a platform to showcase UM’s expertise in the European arena, strengthening visibility and networking opportunities for the university community in a supportive “home away from home” environment, thereby reinforcing UM’s position as The European University of the Netherlands.
Watch the video below to hear key stakeholders reflect on the strategic relevance of the Brussels Hub and its role in reinforcing UM’s presence and impact within the European policy landscape.
The Hub also co-creates, supports, and hosts a range of activities, including conferences, workshops, policy dialogues, and research meetings that connect Maastricht University researchers with EU institutions, policymakers, and regional stakeholders. These initiatives foster exchange between academia and policy, strengthening UM’s visibility in European networks and contributing to discussions on key societal challenges. See more examples here.
One recent example is the collaboration with the Province of Limburg, which brought representatives of the European Commission to Maastricht University for an open dialogue on aligning European policy and research in the field of artificial intelligence in science.
Watch the summary video above to get an impression of the recent European Commission visit to Maastricht University. The programme was a joint effort by the UM Brussels Hub, the Province of Limburg, and Brightlands Campuses. Maastricht University welcomed Ms. Maria Cristina Russo and Mr. Liviu Stirbat from the European Commission for discussions bringing together policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives. The visit focused on collaboration in research and innovation, including AI in science, health, and circular solutions, and highlighted the importance of connecting regional ecosystems with European policy to drive real-world impact.
The UM Brussels Hub is housed together with strategic partners in a shared office space. Alongside Maastricht University, the office hosts 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 currently chairs its Strategic Council, while the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) represents UM within ASPHER. The shared office environment reflects the Hub’s commitment to fostering collaboration with like-minded organisations in line with UM’s internationalisation strategy and its position as the European University of the Netherlands.
Impressions of the official inauguration of the UM Brussels Hub
The programme featured academics and policymakers, including Prof. Dr. Rianne Letschert (UM President), Ambassador Michael Stibbe, Ms. Magda De Carli (European Commission), and Prof. Dr. Christine Neuhold (UM Dean). Their speeches highlighted UM's European ambitions, the need for increased investment in education, research, and innovation, and the importance of stronger collaboration between academia and policymakers. The event ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolising cooperation between UM, the Dutch Government, and the European Commission.
