Events

Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, will give the public lecture at the UCSIA Winter School on European solidarity and migration.

What does European solidarity stand for in a world of international migration? Find out at the second edition of the UCSIA Winter School on 'European Solidarity in the Making' for master's and doctoral students.

The application deadline has now passed. However, we are still accepting and reviewing applications on a case-by-case basis until the maximum number of participants is reached or the ultimate deadline of 3 December 2025 midnight has expired.

The programme is a collaboration with Antwerp Summer & Winter University.

In the first lecture of the series U-turn: 5 years later, Erika Vlieghe (UZA) and Lindsy Desmet (KU Leuven) will address the lasting impact of the COVID period.

Erika Vlieghe examines the delicate balance between public health and human contact, while Lindsy Desmet focuses on the sense of meaning and the vulnerable needs in elderly care. A dual perspective on what we have learned—and what still requires attention.

This double lecture will be held in Dutch. Participation is free, but don’t forget to register.

How can religion inspire solidarity and social action? In the photo exhibition Connected in Care, you will discover the stories of people who, driven by religious inspiration, dedicate themselves to helping others. The exhibition serves as a starting point for a deeper conversation on faith-based solidarity with several local social organizations.

This event is fully booked.

We live in a time in which crises are undermining the very foundations of our society. Democracy is under pressure from authoritarian tendencies, disinformation and polarization. At the same time, climate change threatens our future.

This accumulation of crises evokes feelings of uncertainty and powerlessness. How can we, as a society, resist destructive forces and search together for connection and hope?

Annual colloquium (in Dutch) in commemoration of the death of the famous mystic Jan van Ruusbroec (2 December 1381) in collaboration with the Ruusbroec Institute.

A sustainable future is something we build together. But how do we ensure that no one is left behind? During this autumn school (in Dutch), we will explore ways to finance climate change with consideration for social justice.

The 40th anniversary of USOS (University Foundation for Development Cooperation) is celebrated with the publication of the book Caring for our common home.

A dialogue (in Dutch) on violence in the history of modern Europe with historian Maarten Van Alstein and poet Annemarie Estor from essayistic and poetic perspectives.

Do you know the song “Peremen!” by the Soviet band Kino? In 2020, it became the anthem of the resistance in Belarus. The authoritarian regime is trying to silence critical voices, but the people are fighting back with music.

Peter Vermeersch, writer and professor of international politics, presents his latest book, Polsslag (Pulse). This book takes us on a journey through turbulent Eastern Europe, following young musicians in their struggle for freedom.

Anthropologist Yasmin Moll (University of Michigan) presents her latest book: The Revolution Within. Islamic Media and the Struggle for a New Egypt, a penetrating work on religion, media and social change in Arab Spring Egypt.

The lecture (in English) is part of the UCSIA Summer School for young researchers. On Thursday 28 August, we welcome anyone with an interest in the intersection of religion, politics and society.

Registrations for this event are closed.

Are you a PhD candidate or early-career researcher working on the intersection of politics and religion? The UCSIA Summer School offers a unique opportunity to explore this theme in an international academic setting.

The 13th cohort of fellows has successfully completed the European Leadership Programme. During the graduation ceremony, Otilia Dhand will share her leadership experiences.

She is Institutional Relations Director at Temasek - a global investment fund in Brussels - and was a member of the High-Level Advisory Group to the European Union Commissioner for Economy, which assessed the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the European economy and society.

The European Leadership Programme is an initiative of JESC, Jesuit European Social Centre. UCSIA is one of the associate partners.

In this panel discussion, students from the FUCE summer school take the floor. They share their dreams and concerns about the future of Europe. Lecturer Peter Hanenberg (Universidade Católica Portuguesa) will moderate the conversation.

The 6th edition of the FUCE Summer School will have a special focus on the rise of populism and how it affects European society.

This summer school is an opportunity for bachelor students to engage with leading thinkers, critically analyze the roots and consequences of populism, and explore innovative approaches to strengthen democracy in the 21st century.

Together, we will strive to envision a future where pluralism, inclusivity, and active citizenship thrive.