The foundation of our academic success
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is founded on the principle of 'Free Research', formulated by the French mathematician and philosopher of science Henri Poincaré (1854–1912):
"Thinking must never be subjugate, neither to a dogma, nor to a party, nor to a passion, nor to an interest, nor to a prejudice, nor to anything, but only to the facts themselves, for making it subjugate means the end of all thinking."
Personal growth, community service and open-mindedness are central to our professors, students and staff. All of this is approached with a positive yet critical attitude. It is the foundation of our academic success.
Overview fields of law
The Department of Public Law (PUBR) is part of the Faculty of Law & Criminology and comprises five sections, each with its own specialist areas:
1. International and European Law (IERE)
2. Constitutional and Administrative Law (STBR)
3. Social Law (SORE)
4. Tax Law (FISC)
5. Criminal Law (STRA)
Our large research group BruCeL
The Brussels Centre for Law, Government and Society (BruCeL) brings together researchers from across the broad field of public law within an international community. Our members conduct doctrinal, empirical and comparative research that examines the national and international challenges facing public law in the first decades of the 21st century. Our research focuses on five specific research strands, each of which, in its own way, traces back to the primary functions of public law, namely the constitution, legitimisation and limitation of the exercise of public authority. Curious to find out more?
BruCeL Talks
The Department of Public Law regularly organises events such as the BruCeL Talks, where affiliated researchers can share and expand on their knowledge and expertise. These Talks are open to colleagues and interested students conducting research on the diverse topics covered. If you would like to be kept informed about upcoming BruCeL Talks, please subscribe to the VUB newsletter or follow us on social media.
Interested in pursuing a PhD?
Do you have a passion for scientific research? Are you curious and innovative, and would you like to conduct independent research in a field that interests you? If so, a PhD might be the right choice for you. There are many reasons why a PhD could be the next step after your master’s degree... for example, if you aspire to a career in academia, want to teach at a university, wish to contribute to science, or want to make the world a little better. But you also do a PhD for yourself. A PhD guarantees that you will learn a huge range of skills, such as academic writing, presenting, solution-focused working, strengthening your communication skills, and working and learning in an interdisciplinary and international environment. Have we sparked your interest? Then click on the button below for more information about PhDs from A to Z.
Or would you be interested in becoming a student researcher?
If you’d like to find out during your studies whether academic research is right for you, you have the opportunity to get a taste of what conducting academic research involves by taking on the role of ‘student researcher’. Interested? Please feel free to contact:
International & European Law: Prof. S. Smis
Constitutional and Administrative Law: Prof. A. Wirtgen
Social Law: Prof. G. van Limberghen
Tax Law: J-P. van West
Criminal Law: F. Deruyck
Follow the research group on: