I would like to thank Luc Soete for his engagement and work during these last four years. As a Dean, Luc will leave a positive impact on our institution. He has contributed to creating the Brussels School of Governance and has led the School through some heavy waters, including the dramatic impact on students’ lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. My focus will be on consolidating the standing of the BSoG as a hub for interdisciplinary teaching and cutting-edge research. The BSoG strives to become a key point of reference for anyone interested in a research-informed understanding of Europe in a changing world.
When Caroline Pauwels asked me back in 2017 to explore possibilities for closer collaboration, even integration of some of the affiliated VUB institutes such as IES and Vesalius College, I quickly found myself in a position of matchmaker. It became an alliance between two very complementary partners, working as one team together as Brussels School of Governance. To get it off to a good start, I was particularly lucky to have as Executive Director Anthony Antoine, Jacintha Liem as Head of the Secretariat and two highly talented Vice Deans: Alexander Mattelaer as Vice Dean for Research and Sven Van Kerckhoven as Vice Dean for Education. Florian, as new Dean of the BSoG will give an additional impulse to the School. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours. I have myself thoroughly enjoyed the last four years as Dean of the BSoG.
