![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/05/Universit%25C3%25A9_libre_de_Bruxelles_seal.svg/640px-Universit%25C3%25A9_libre_de_Bruxelles_seal.svg.png&w=640&q=50)
Université libre de Bruxelles
French-speaking university in Brussels, Belgium / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Université libre de Bruxelles (French: [ynivɛʁsite libʁ də bʁysɛl]; (lit. Free University of Brussels); abbreviated ULB) is a French-speaking research university in Brussels, Belgium. It has three campuses: the Solbosch campus (in the City of Brussels and Ixelles), the Plaine campus (in Ixelles) and the Erasmus campus (in Anderlecht).
![]() Seal of the ULB | |
Latin: Universitas Bruxellensis[lower-alpha 1] | |
Motto | Scientia vincere tenebras (Latin) |
---|---|
Motto in English | Conquering darkness by science |
Type | Independent/partly state funded |
Established | 1834 (Free University of Brussels) 1970 (ULB) |
President | Pierre Gurdjian |
Rector | Annemie Schaus |
Administrative staff | 4,400 |
Students | 37,489 (2023-24)[1] |
Location | , Belgium |
Campus | Solbosch, Plaine, Erasme, Gosselies |
Affiliations | EUA AUF ENTREE IMCC [fr] T.I.M.E. UNICA Atomium Culture |
Website | www.ulb.be |
![]() |
The Université libre de Bruxelles was formed in 1969 by the splitting of the Free University of Brussels[lower-alpha 2], which was founded in 1834 by the lawyer and liberal politician Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen. The founder aimed to establish a university independent from state and church, where academic freedom would be prevalent.[2] This is today still reflected in the university's motto Scientia vincere tenebras, or "Conquering darkness by science".
One of the leading Belgian universities open to Europe and the world,[3][4] the ULB now has about 24,200 students, 33% of whom come from abroad, and an equally cosmopolitan staff.[5]