On Wednesday, 17 November, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel will award five honorary doctorates. It does so together with several partner organizations, emphasizing its connection with other institutions in Brussels, Flanders and the world: an important statement because, after COVID-19, cooperation and connection are even more necessary than ever before. The award ceremony takes place at the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie in Brussels, where the world famous composer Dirk Brossé will perform as guest conductor of the VUB Orchestra. The doors of La Monnaie will open at 7 pm.

The first honorary doctorate will be awarded to science writer Ann Druyan, the second to artist William Kentridge, the third to politician Pierre Kompany and the fourth to Antoni Ribas and Thierry Boon Falleur - both world authorities in the field of immunotherapy.

During the ceremony, Koenraad Tinel and Simon Gronowski will also be in the spotlight. They were awarded honorary doctorates by the VUB and ULB in 2020 for their exceptional friendship, which demonstrates that forgiveness and solidarity are also possible after catastrophic events with a profound impact on personal lives.