Universite libre de Bruxelles
Address: Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32 2 650 21 11
Email: info@ulb.ac.be
Website: www.ulb.be
About Universite libre de Bruxelles
Founded in1834, the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is apublic-funded independent research university with several campuses located inand around the Belgian and European capital, giving researchers and a30,000-strong student body (headcount 2019) every opportunity to embrace allthe perks of this vibrant international city.
ULB offersabout 40 undergraduate programmes and nearly 250 graduate courses. Easilyaccessible by train from several major European cities in under two hours, ULB’sstudent intake is about one-third international with 20 per cent coming fromEurope. Although it is a French-speaking institution, international studentscan take advantage of university language courses to improve their French andan increasing number of Master’s programmes are taught in English. ULB hasstrong links with international institutions in Brussels and works closely withthe Vrije Universiteit Brussel, its sister Flemish-speaking University alsobased in the capital.
Theuniversity’s more relevant than ever philosophy focuses on the idea of freedomof inquiry and ULB is renowned for its debate culture and for its commitment toall progressive causes. ULB, in particular, is still at the forefront of thefight for women's rights and for reproductive rights in Belgium. Its governingbodies, staff and student organisations are also very active in local andinternational debates around migration, academic freedom and sustainabledevelopment. Its internal democracy has students represented on decision-makingbodies at all levels.
ULB’s Latinmotto can be translated as “conquering darkness with knowledge” and itsscholars have won a variety of awards including four scientific Nobel prizes,24 Francqui Prizes (a Belgian scholarly award), and a Fields Medal. ULB'salumni network is present all over the World.
The University has 12 faculties and covers most scientific fields, fromMedicine to Law, from Business to Engineering, from Philosophy to Architecture
Founded in1834, the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is apublic-funded independent research university with several campuses located inand around the Belgian and European capital, giving researchers and a30,000-strong student body (headcount 2019) every opportunity to embrace allthe perks of this vibrant international city.
ULB offersabout 40 undergraduate programmes and nearly 250 graduate courses. Easilyaccessible by train from several major European cities in under two hours, ULB’sstudent intake is about one-third international with 20 per cent coming fromEurope. Although it is a French-speaking institution, international studentscan take advantage of university language courses to improve their French andan increasing number of Master’s programmes are taught in English. ULB hasstrong links with international institutions in Brussels and works closely withthe Vrije Universiteit Brussel, its sister Flemish-speaking University alsobased in the capital.
Theuniversity’s more relevant than ever philosophy focuses on the idea of freedomof inquiry and ULB is renowned for its debate culture and for its commitment toall progressive causes. ULB, in particular, is still at the forefront of thefight for women's rights and for reproductive rights in Belgium. Its governingbodies, staff and student organisations are also very active in local andinternational debates around migration, academic freedom and sustainabledevelopment. Its internal democracy has students represented on decision-makingbodies at all levels.
ULB’s Latinmotto can be translated as “conquering darkness with knowledge” and itsscholars have won a variety of awards including four scientific Nobel prizes,24 Francqui Prizes (a Belgian scholarly award), and a Fields Medal. ULB'salumni network is present all over the World.
The University has 12 faculties and covers most scientific fields, fromMedicine to Law, from Business to Engineering, from Philosophy to Architecture
Why Universite libre de Bruxelles
ULB is recognized for several key factors:
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Academic Excellence: Consistently ranked among the top universities in Belgium and Europe, ULB is renowned for its high academic standards and research output.
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Research Innovation: ULB is a leading institution in research, contributing to significant advancements in various fields, particularly in social sciences, health, and engineering.
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Diversity and Inclusion: The university promotes multiculturalism, welcoming students from around the world and offering programs in multiple languages.
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Notable Alumni: ULB has produced influential figures in various fields, including politics, sciences, and the arts, enhancing its reputation.
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Commitment to Academic Freedom: Founded on the principles of liberty and equality, ULB emphasizes academic freedom and critical thought.
French and English: ULB offers programs in both French and English. Proficiency in the language of instruction is required.
- French: Typically requires a B2 level (CEFR), proven by recognized language certificates or prior education in French.
- English: For English-taught programs, a minimum score is required in standardized tests such as TOEFL (79-80) or IELTS (6.5).
ULB offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines:
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Arts and Humanities
- Philosophy: Critical thinking, ethics, and history of ideas.
- History: Research on European and global history.
- Languages and Literature: French, English, Dutch, and more.
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Social Sciences
- Sociology: Social dynamics, inequality, and cultural studies.
- Political Science: Political theory, international relations, and governance.
- Psychology: Clinical, cognitive, and social psychology.
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Law
- Law Studies: Comprehensive legal education covering international law, human rights, and more.
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Economics and Management
- Economics: Microeconomics, macroeconomics, and applied economics.
- Business Administration: Marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
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Science and Technology
- Computer Science: Software engineering, AI, and cybersecurity.
- Engineering: Various branches, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
- Biological Sciences: Research in biology, biotechnology, and environmental science.
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Health Sciences
- Medicine: Comprehensive medical training and research.
- Pharmacy: Pharmaceutical sciences and clinical practice.
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Architecture
- Architecture: Focus on design, urban planning, and sustainability.
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Interdisciplinary Programs
- Sustainability Studies: Addressing environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary approach.
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) has many distinguished professors known for their contributions to research, education, and their respective fields. Here are some notable faculty members:
1. François Englert
- Field: Theoretical Physics
- Notable Achievement: Nobel Prize in Physics in 2013 for his work on the Higgs boson, which is fundamental to the Standard Model of particle physics.
- Contribution: Englert's research has significantly influenced our understanding of particle physics and cosmology.
2. Albert A. Michelson
- Field: Physics
- Notable Achievement: Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907 for his precision optical instruments and measurements of the speed of light.
- Legacy: Michelson was a pioneer in the field of metrology and contributed to the understanding of light.
3. Emmanuelle Charpentier
- Field: Biochemistry and Genetics
- Notable Achievement: Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 for her role in developing the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology.
- Contribution: Her work has revolutionized genetic engineering and has broad applications in medicine and agriculture.
4. Jean-Michel Frodon
- Field: Cinema Studies
- Notable Contribution: A prominent film critic and scholar, known for his expertise in cinema history and analysis.
- Roles: Former director of the prestigious La Cinémathèque française and a respected figure in film studies.
5. Monique Gendry
- Field: Molecular Biology
- Notable Contribution: Research in genetics and molecular biology, focusing on cellular processes and disease mechanisms.
- Impact: Her work has implications for understanding genetic disorders and developing treatments.
6. Pascal Smet
- Field: Political Science
- Notable Contribution: Known for his research on European integration, governance, and public policy.
- Roles: Engages in policy advising and has contributed to various governmental and international organizations.
7. Philippe Van Parijs
- Field: Political Philosophy and Economics
- Notable Contribution: Advocate for basic income and social justice, known for his influential works on justice and equality.
- Impact: His ideas have sparked discussions on welfare policies and economic systems.
ULB has affiliations with several Nobel laureates, reflecting its strong research tradition. Some notable Nobel Prize winners include:
- Albert A. Michelson: Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907 for his precision optical instruments and measurements of the speed of light.
- François Englert: Nobel Prize in Physics in 2013 for his work on the Higgs boson theory, while he has also collaborated with researchers from ULB.