Alumni News - December 2025

Beyond the Lecture - professor in the picture: Elisabetta Costa

Twenty short questions and short answers give a light-hearted and personal view of a professor during his student days and outside the academic role.

Elisabetta Costa, professor Film Studies and Visuel Culture:

"I cycled from Beirut to Damascus all the way to the Jordanian border. I volunteered in Cameroun on HIV-prevention projects, and participated in the anti G8 movement in Genova in 2001."

Political Communication Alumni Get-together

As every year, our alumni drinks event brought together former and current students for an evening full of insights, recognition and inspiration. In an informal atmosphere, with snacks and drinks, three alumni shared their experiences, tips and visions for the future.
🌟 Our speakers this year:
- Kristof Calvo: First alderman of the City of Mechelen, graduated in 2009
- Jihad Van Puymbroeck: Freelance inclusive communication strategist, graduated in 2017
- Jana Thys: Mandate assistant at the University of Antwerp, graduating in 2023

Invitation Survey Eye-Teach

As part of the EYE-TEACH project, we invite teachers (primary, secondary and higher education) from across Europe to share their insights. We are investigating how AI-supported eye-tracking tools can enhance reading comprehension in the classroom.
We want to understand what teachers need, how they feel about this technology, and how such tools can be used.
No prior knowledge of AI or eye tracking is required! The questionnaire is available in nine languages, takes ten minutes to complete, and participation is anonymous.

Thank you very much in advance for your participation!

International Relations and Diplomacy alumnus Julien De Wit is on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Belgium list

For more than ten years, Forbes has been compiling its 30 Under 30 list. The list has grown into a globally recognised platform for young leaders who are making a significant impact on the world.
For the second time, this initiative is being launched in Belgium to highlight the most promising young entrepreneurs, scientists, creatives and leaders under the age of 30. These individuals not only excel in their field, they also contribute to the growth and prosperity of Belgium and beyond.

Forbes 30 Under 30

Lunch Talk - Ghayath Almadhoun

Ghayath Almadhoun is a Palestinian poet, born in Damascus. In this lunchtime lecture, Ghayath will discuss the crucial role of the poet when confronted with mass violence and destruction in Gaza, emphasising writing as an act of testimony, remembrance and resistance. (Talk in English)

5 December 2025 from 12:30 to 13:45 at St-Jacobsstraat 2, Antwerp, De Meerminne, M.107
Free of charge, but registration is required.

FSW Lecture - The gendering of diplomatic training

Diplomatic training has always been somewhat of an oxymoron, with ‘diplomacy’ often seen as something that could only be learned through aristocratic upbringing or practical experience. Nevertheless, attempts at formal training have existed since the early 18th century, and even before that, manuals circulated on how ambassadors and negotiators should behave. In this lecture, Benjamin de Carvalho and Halvard Leira will examine how these texts and formal training programmes between approximately 1700 and 1900 were gender-related.

9 December 2025  from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in the Rodestraat 14, Antwerp (aula R.014) - free of charge (lecture in English)

FSW Lecture - Katrin Toens

How do civil society organisations influence social policy and human rights in Europe? This lecture examines the influential advocacy of organised civil society as a key player within Europe's broad and interconnected social landscape.
11 December 2025 at 3 p.m. -
Prinsstraat 13, Antwerp, Auditorium s.B.001
Free of charge, but registration is required (lecture in English)

Give your career a boost

The Prince Albert Fund offers young professionals with at least two years’ experience the chance to lead a business development project for a Belgian company outside Europe. A unique experience that boosts both your business skills and intercultural mindset. The perfect launchpad for a global career.

Music at a discount

A Christmas gala, New Year’s concert or musical winter morning? UAntwerp alumni enjoy a 10% discount on single tickets for Antwerp Symphony Orchestra concerts at the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp.

Continue to shape the future of UAntwerp

Job prospects after graduation are important when choosing a university. You are the best judge of how UAntwerp performs in this area. Share your opinion in the QS Global Employer Survey. After registration you will receive an invitation from rankings@qs.com to participate in the survey.

Dive into a language bath

Would you like to start the new year with a focus on language? Looking to brush up your Dutch, French, English, German, Spanish or Italian skills? You can do so at Linguapolis, the University of Antwerp’s language institute, which offers attractive discounts for alumni.