The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) announced on Monday that Stromae, Lize Spit, Amélie Nothomb, François Schuiten, and Ever Meulen will receive joint honorary doctorates from VUB and
the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). The ceremony will take place on 4 December at Bozar.
Celebrating creativity and freedom of thought
Through these distinctions, the two Brussels universities are honouring the “excellence” and “creativity” of these “remarkable personalities.” The honorary doctorates reflect a shared mission to “transcend linguistic and disciplinary boundaries” and to celebrate individuals who, through their work and values, “promote freedom of thought, critical reflection, social engagement, knowledge, imagination, and discovery.”
Literary voices
Writer Lize Spit, author of the acclaimed novel Het Smelt, will be recognised for her influence on Brussels’ cultural and social scene. According to the universities, her novels explore themes of identity, family, and vulnerability, resonating with a broad readership and sparking public discussion. As a lecturer and columnist, she also advocates for reflection, creativity, and education — values that closely align with VUB and ULB’s ethos.
Fellow author Amélie Nothomb will be honoured for her “distinct literary voice” and the prominent role that Brussels plays in her writing. Her work, described as “free, precise, sensitive, and independent,” embodies the principles of freedom of expression, critical thought, and intellectual curiosity, the universities said.
Honouring visual artists and illustrators
François Schuiten, a celebrated visual artist, will receive an honorary doctorate for his “exceptional artistic contribution” and his imaginative worlds where reality and fantasy converge — with Brussels often at their heart.
Illustrator Ever Meulen (Eddy Vermeulen) is being recognised as a “visual ambassador for Brussels.” His depictions of the city, both critical and recognisable, have helped shape its cultural identity, according to the announcement.
Stromae’s universal artistry
Finally, Paul Van Haver, known globally as Stromae, will be honoured for his “freedom of creation, authenticity, and courage to transform social tensions into art.” The universities described Brussels as a “multilingual and multifaceted” source of inspiration for the artist, whose work “unites music, image, and emotion in a universal language.” Photo by Drew de F Fawkes from Guildford, United Kingdom, Wikimedia commons.