In a bold move to amplify the voices and achievements of women in academia, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has unveiled its new campaign, “Women Shaping Science,” marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The initiative aims to celebrate female researchers and inspire the next generation by making women’s contributions to science more visible in both academia and public discourse.
The campaign, announced through an official press release, highlights the growing impact of female scientists across fields such as medicine, artificial intelligence, climate research, and law. Despite increasing participation, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and public debates. VUB’s campaign seeks to counter that imbalance by showcasing real stories of women shaping research, policy, and society.
At the heart of the initiative is a photo exhibition featuring 20 portraits of female VUB researchers, captured by renowned photographer Lieve Blancquaert. The portraits symbolize the broader presence of hundreds of women leading research, teaching, and influencing policy at the university. Organizers say the exhibition aims not only to celebrate achievements but also to challenge outdated perceptions of who scientists are.
VUB Rector Jan Danckaert praised the initiative, emphasizing the societal impact of female researchers. “Our female scientists are driving innovation and delivering solutions to complex global challenges,” he said, noting their contributions to developing new technologies, treatments, and policy insights.
The campaign also underscores VUB’s long-standing commitment to diversity and equality. The university adopted Flanders’ first diversity plan in 2005 and has steadily increased female representation since then. By 2025, women made up 44.4% of VUB researchers, while the share of female professors rose to 35.5%—a significant increase from just 20% in 2005.
However, challenges remain. The university acknowledged the persistence of the “leaky pipeline,” where women represent roughly half of doctoral students but only 21.6% of full professors. Disparities across faculties also continue, highlighting the need for sustained structural change.
Beyond the exhibition, the campaign includes a digital storytelling platform, a media experts list to promote female voices, and an active social media rollout. VUB hopes the initiative will not only celebrate existing achievements but also motivate young women to pursue careers in science.
The exhibition is open to the public at the Braem Building in Brussels until March 6 and will later tour multiple locations across Flanders, including Mechelen, Vilvoorde, and Ostend.
With “Women Shaping Science,” VUB sends a clear message: talent has no gender, and the future of science depends on diverse voices shaping tomorrow’s discoveries.
source: Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
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