AI-literate students who use machines critically, creatively and responsibly.

In his speech marking the opening of the academic year, Rector Jan Danckaert set out clear educational choices on artificial intelligence. VUB does not want to be a university that tries to determine whether students have used a machine. It will be a university that teaches them to use machines critically, creatively and responsibly.

Imagine this. A student submits a brilliant master's thesis. Almost perfect. Except that they cannot explain why the copywriting AI made certain choices. What, then, are we assessing as a university? A text? A technology? Or a learning process that never really took place?
Nevertheless, artificial intelligence is the path VUB is taking in its vision for education. Human competencies for a new labour market are central to that vision: critical thinking and judgement; creativity and imagination; collaboration and dialogue; ethics and meaning.
Free and critical thinking remains the compass. Not simply believing what AI states with great confidence. Asking further questions. Checking sources. Exposing assumptions. Examining the influence of power. And ultimately taking a position yourself.
In his speech, 'Artificial Age. Authentic Education', on 22 September 2026, Rector Jan Danckaert made four clear commitments. He also argued why authentic learning with AI is indeed possible.