Thursday 11 December 2025, 19.30–21.30 — followed by a reception

Promotiezaal, University Hall, Naamsestraat 22, 3000 Leuven (lecture)
Jubileumzaal, University Hall, Naamsestraat 22, 3000 Leuven (reception)

(in English)

Over hundreds of years, universities have developed into the comprehensive institutions we know today worldwide. In Leuven, on the six hundredth anniversary of the Alma Mater, we ask ourselves what the future holds. We do so at a time when academia across the globe is confronted with questions about its legitimacy.

The core tasks of the university, innovative research and education, are anchored in the autonomy that allows universities to freely pursue the public interest. But are these functions still guaranteed when the freedom of researchers and lecturers is restricted by governments, or when the prevailing morality in a society limits research and teaching?

On the occasion of 600 years of KU Leuven, the Leuven Institute for Advanced Study (LIAS) is bringing together international experts to address these questions.

Programme

• Sari Lindblom, Rector of the University of Helsinki
• Ashish Arora, Professor of Economics and Entrepreneurship, Duke University (USA)
• Eric Heinze, Professor of Law, Queen Mary University of London

Will discuss these themes.

• Vasiliki (Viki) Kosta, Professor of European Law, Leiden University
• Manon Kluijtmans, Professor of Educational Innovation, Utrecht University

Will respond to the introductions and reflect on the issues raised.

Karen Maex (Professor Emeritus at KU Leuven and the University of Amsterdam) will moderate the discussion.

> Register - on campus

If you prefer to follow the event via livestream, you can register via this link.

This evening is organised by the Leuven Institute for Advanced Study (LIAS) as part of the celebrations marking 600 years of KU Leuven. Read more about this project here.