Dear Reader

“It is with great joy and fitting pride that the university community has learned of your appointment. You have demonstrated more than ever that a thorough academic formation can contribute to the desire and capacity to assume great social responsibilities.” At the end of November, Rector Mark Waer wrote the above in his letter of congratulation to Herman Van Rompuy, a K.U.Leuven alumnus, on the occasion of his appointment to the office of first president of Europe.

Fitting pride is a feeling we also have for our university’s numerous students, researchers and alumni who, each in their own way, assume social responsibilities. Architect Jasmien Herssens, for example, appeals to the expertise of the blind to set design parameters that ensure better surroundings for us all. Evolutionary biologist Tine Huyse travelled to Brazilian favelas to collect samples for her research into a parasitic disease that affects 200 million people worldwide. And Andrea Moreira, a Portuguese student, lived in Mozambique for three months to take part in an educational project for street children. You will become acquainted with them in this issue of Campus Insight, in which I have also outlined my plans as vice rector for international policy.

Brazil, Portugal, Mozambique, Congo, Germany, China and the UK: they all appear in these pages. Thus, as usual, Campus Insight is a reflection of the increasingly prominent international character of our university. We hope that you also feel fitting pride to be part of this international community, and we wish you great joy as you make your way through our magazine.

Professor Bart De Moor
Vice Rector for International Policy