Our expertise is important to continue to inspire both our own policy and that of our public authorities in sensitive issues or crises from broad and diverse scientific perspectives. Not from the usual limited group of confidants, but in full transparency and fed by the relevant group of experts (junior and senior researchers, staff and, where applicable, students). The approach to the pandemic, when we as policymakers formed a team with experts and experienced professionals, can serve as an example here. My experience in education policy has taught me that such an approach inspires confidence and builds bridges, both internally and in consultations with national and international political policymakers.

Together, we make KU Leuven

Thank you very much for the vote of confidence you have placed in me during what has already been an intense campaign. Now we are steaming ahead to the final round of voting! Because if you really want to bring a breath of fresh air to the university, you need to know exactly what is going on, what the needs are and how we can realistically address them. In short, you need to know KU Leuven inside out so that we can move forward together and leave no one behind. That’s why I am keen to continue the dialogue with you, because yes, together, we make KU Leuven.