Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the way universities operate, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is emerging as a leading example of how higher education institutions can integrate AI across teaching, research and administration.
At the heart of the initiative is Professor Vincent Ginis, VUB’s Special Envoy for Artificial Intelligence, who has overseen the university’s evolving AI strategy over the past two and a half years. Rather than relying on top-down implementation, VUB has adopted a bottom-up approach, encouraging lecturers and staff to experiment with AI tools and share practical use cases.
One of the university’s flagship achievements is the so-called “OO-scan,” an internal AI system that automatically screened 4,684 course component sheets for risks of AI misuse in assessments. The results were striking: 54% of courses initially showed vulnerability to AI fraud. After targeted recommendations and follow-up scans, the risk dropped to 40%, demonstrating how data-driven insights can strengthen academic integrity.
Beyond assessment reform, VUB is also using AI to improve teaching quality. For example, language models now help summarise common student mistakes in large classes, allowing lecturers to adjust teaching strategies in real time. In the past, such insights were only available after final exams. Now, instructors can intervene earlier, making education more responsive and personalised.
The university has also invested in AI literacy, allocating €300,000 to curriculum innovation projects that embed AI skills directly into study programmes. New modules teach students how to use generative AI responsibly—as a learning assistant rather than a shortcut.
AI’s impact extends beyond classrooms. Administrative teams are using the technology to handle growing workloads, including the rising number of student appeals. AI tools help summarise case files and process large volumes of data quickly, enabling faster responses while maintaining human oversight in decision-making.
Meanwhile, researchers benefit from more flexible policies, allowing them to use AI tools more freely in tackling societal challenges. University leaders argue that this balance—stricter rules for students, greater freedom for researchers—is essential to harness AI’s benefits without undermining academic learning.
Looking ahead, VUB sees a deeper transformation on the horizon. The next phase will focus on rethinking education itself in the age of AI—questioning which skills future graduates truly need and how universities should adapt to an AI-driven world.
As institutions worldwide grapple with the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, VUB’s experience suggests that thoughtful experimentation, clear policy frameworks and strong institutional vision may be key to navigating the transition.
source:Vrije Universiteit Brussel .
About the Author
