BrIAS

WELCOME TO BrIAS

The newly founded Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies (BrIAS), co-founded by the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), expands upon the mission of other IASes as an incubator of ideas and research by focusing on current and urgent themes with a great societal impact.

Located in the heart of Brussels, it attracts the very best scientists, artists or designers, coming from various fields or countries and without any philosophical restrictions. It provides the opportunity to work in an atmosphere of complete freedom, collaboration, mutual emulation and cross-fertilisation. BrIAS facilitates collaborations with countries facing critical challenges pertaining to sustainability.

Follow us and subscribe on our website and on social media on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram for updates! The talks given by our fellows and associates are all livestreamed and uploaded on our Youtube channel

Stay tuned for updates about our upcoming events!

News:

2026 Theme: Democratic Governance - Challenges and innovations

We are pleased to announce that the next BrIAS theme will be directed by Professors Emilie van Haute (ULB) and Silvia Erzeel (VUB). They will tackle the following themes:
1. Polarization, Division and Violence
2. Democratic short-termism and sustainability
3. Technology, misinformation and AI
4. Diversity. inequality and inclusion

2025 Theme: Sustainable Robotics, AI and Automation

Next year's theme continues on the same sustainable robotics theme with a broader focus including AI and automation. This includes a new call for senior fellows - click here to find out more.

2024 season wrap up 

The 2024 season took place between the 15.1.2024 and 15.5.2025. We invited 14 international senior fellows, three international junior fellows, held our weekly seminars and monthly forums among many other activities. Have a look at some of the pictures and highlights here.