Council of the Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts
The best education. The best research. We won't settle for less. That is precisely why we work every day, together with our thirteen universities of applied sciences and arts. Because we want the best for students and teachers, for the professional field, for society and for the future.
As the formal consultative and advisory body of the 13 Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts, the Council is advising the Flemish Government on all policy issues concerning higher education. In addition, it organises and stimulates the consultation between the institutions regarding all matters that concern the Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Valorisation of practice-oriented
scientific research to face societal
challenges as a key mission!
All 13 Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts conduct applied and practice-oriented research in various domains of science and technology. It is widely accepted across Europe, and highly valued by European authorities, that practice-oriented research activities are essential for our society to successfully cope with the major transitions it is facing and will face in the near future, such as the so-called 'double transition' (digitisation and circularity).
Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts, also referred to as ‘Professional Higher Education Institutions’, are nowadays (without any dispute) regarded as the best performing innovation and valorisation engines for relevant scientific findings and increasingly not only at the regional level. level, but also at national and even international level. By nature, practice-based research allows immediate and impactful implementation of its findings in relevant parts of society.
The Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and the Arts master the art of practice-oriented research and have a long tradition of close ties with society. They have focused on building strong networks with various public and private stakeholders. In this way, they have created a high level of awareness and understanding of the changing needs and challenges in different parts of society, which they have then made at the heart of their mission, activities and processes.
Both in their educational and practice-oriented research activities, our Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and the Arts today place a great deal of emphasis on 'co-creation' with relevant stakeholders in society, ranging from SMEs to sector federations, NPOs, knowledge institutions, etc. By maintaining a close relationship with stakeholders, they can continuously enrich not only their education portfolio, but also their research programme.
The Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and the Arts master the art of practice-oriented research and have a long tradition of close ties with society."
Each of the Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts today has reached a high level of expertise in at least some of the 9 key domains, all related to the UN SDGs, demonstrating the level of awareness of the crucial role they play in providing solutions for the current and future social problems:
Typically, most Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts have expertise that combines different areas of technology, but also on topics such as future-oriented and people-oriented approaches to health and well-being, climate and environment, digital transformation, smart mobility, etc. They also usually emphasize entrepreneurship and the empowerment of students.
To meet the challenges ahead, all Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and the Arts have developed both the necessary high-tech infrastructure and an organization that can deal with questions and requests from relevant stakeholders in the most efficient way.
This usually means an interdisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of different research groups to deal with the problem or challenge at hand in the most efficient way. All Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences also participate in the 'Bliklopener' program, which plays a central role in connecting all relevant stakeholders.
The Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and the Arts today place a great deal of emphasis on 'co-creation' with relevant stakeholders in society"
Be surprised by all the innovation on offer
Let's innovate together: more than 2,000 researchers from the 13 Flemish universities of applied sciences and arts conduct practice-oriented scientific research and make their expertise available to your company or organisation. They look for innovative solutions for your question or ensure appropriate implementation.
Nine domaines of experise
were defined:
- Art and Culture
- Education
- Labor and Economy
- Health
- Equal Opportunities
- Public Space and Infrastructure
- Climate, Environment and Clean Energy
- Transport and Mobility
- Food and Water
Interested? We can't wait to work together!
HOGENT
HOGENT is a major player in the field of applied research and research in the arts. HOGENT is involved in many national and international initiatives and research projects and is actively looking for new opportunities.
mail: research@hogent.be
UC Leuven-Limburg
Our centers of expertise are active locally, nationally and internationally in innovative practical research and services: in welfare and health sectors, the world of education, business and in the field of sustainability and technology.
mail: research.expertise@ucll.be
Karel de Grote Hogeschool
KdG offers services such as applied research, education, coaching and consultancy for our external partners. Social relevance is one of our cornerstones and the work field keeps our students and researchers with both feet firmly anchored in society.
mail: researchoffice@kdg.be
Arteveldehogeschool
Research at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences results in well-substantiated, inclusive, and motivating products, methodologies, and services which diverse stakeholders can actually use in practice.
Antwerp Maritime Academy
Research and expertise have a prominent place at the Antwrep Maritime Academy. Curious about what exactly we do? You will discover it here!
Erasmushogeschool Brussel
We are strongly committed to research. Within our research offer, we make a distinction between two major types: research in the arts, conducted in the Schools of Arts, and practice-based research, which is linked to our bachelor's programmes.
mail: dienst.onderzoek@ehb.be
Howest
Howest, University of Applied Sciences, anticipates and responds to the needs of society and the socio-economic sector and is transforming the brain drain in West Flanders into a brain gain. Between 2016 and 2022, the research and service expenditure at Howest increased from to almost €8 million, and the number of researchers involved grew to 250.
mail: research@howest.be
AP Hogeschool Antwerpen
AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts provides a stimulating home for all research in diverse study areas in 4 departments and 2 Schools of Arts. This great variety of disciplines offers a wide range of possibilities for the development of multidisciplinary research.
mail: research@ap.be
Thomas More Hogeschool
With our practice-oriented scientific research, we stimulate innovation in companies, organisations and in society at large. Every day, no fewer than 250 researchers apply expertise, practical knowledge and experience to develop scientifically-based innovative products and services.
mail: marijke.lemal@thomasmore.be
VIVES University of Applied Sciences
VIVES University of Applied Sciences engages in hands-on research. VIVES reaches out to companies and organisations that face modern day challenges. Offering a solution to said challenges, we improve our knowledge and adjust our insights in and on education.
Odisee
Our research and services are focused on themes and questions that are important for the field and that are linked to our programmes. We strive for optimal involvement of our teachers and students. This ensures a good cross-pollination between research and education. In this way, they reinforce each other.
mail: DOP@odisee.be
PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts
The office PXL-Research coordinates and supports the research and development of PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts. The research policy is focused on applied research driven by the need of the region and is intended to create innovation for companies, non-profit organizations and governments.
mail: bruno.vankoeckhoven@pxl.be
LUCA School of Arts
The Associated Faculty of the Arts at KU Leuven has given this research its own place since 2020. Artistic research became a permanent part of the university's broad research range. At the same time, the faculty guarantees the individuality of the arts with its associate status.
mail: research@luca-arts.be
