"Universities and researchers in the USA are the primary victims of this political and ideological interference. They see millions in research funding disappear for ideological reasons", writes Rector Jan Danckaert from the Flemish-speaking VUB (Brussels Free University) in a press release, according to the website The Brussels Times.
According to Danckaert, twelve positions with a specific focus on American researchers are being opened. Together with the French-speaking sister university ULB, 18 apartments are also being made available.
"As a European pioneer in climate research, in vitro fertilization, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical security, VUB is an excellent environment for top American researchers to work freely", writes Danckaert.
According to the Rector, VUB has also been affected by the new US administration's education policy. Two joint projects – on youth and disinformation as well as transatlantic dialogue between the USA and Europe – have suddenly been discontinued from the American side.
"VUB was founded in 1834 to guarantee academic freedom, free from interference by church or state. We see it as our duty to support our American colleagues", writes Jan Danckaert.
