At the start of his opening speech, Rector Luc Sels looked ahead to our centenary celebration. The University’s 600th anniversary, which will kick off with the celebratory opening weekend ‘KU Leuven Inside’ on 15 and 16 February. The Rector elaborated on the programme and also unveiled the logo for our celebratory year. “Does knowledge really know no end? You can read the answer in this symbol: the infinity sign.”

In his speech, the Rector also looked back on (almost) eight years of governance. What lessons did he learn from them? That we are a ‘connected and connecting university’. “We can only do what we can because we are connected, with our predecessors and our contemporaries. We need to nurture and deepen that connectedness.”

Specifically, the Rector mentioned several connections he considers crucial for the future. KU Leuven’s relationship with UZ Leuven and KU Leuven Research & Development, for example, and those with the university colleges that make up the KU Leuven Association. But equally, our connection with the cities across which our campuses are spread. Even those with the world: as he did last year, Sels insisted on the importance of internationalisation. “Show Flanders to the world, and welcome the world to Flanders: you cannot have one without the other.”

Interdisciplinarity ─ connecting the scientific disciplines ─ and social safety ─ connecting with each other ─ were also highlighted. As was the connection to our tradition and the future. According to the Rector, we are ready for a seventh century. “The past few years have seen unprecedented growth and progress, as well as increases in international recognition. We can only sustain all that if we cherish our community in all its components as our highest good. A union of the willing, truly connected.”

➡️Read the full speech: https://www.kuleuven.be/communicatie/...

➡️ All speeches and video's on the Opening of the Academic Year 2024-2025 at KU Leuven: https://www.kuleuven.be/openingacadem...