On 22 January 2026, participants of the PhDGov project continued their study visit in Belgium at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The study visit was hosted by the EU–China Higher Education Research Center (ECHE) as part of the PhDGov in-person activities.
The day started with a visit to Brussels AI Labs and the VUB AI Experience Center, where participants were introduced to AI-related research environments and facilities at VUB. This was followed by a session on the use of AI and digital tools in PhD governance, focusing on how digital technologies are applied in doctoral education and research management.
In the early afternoon, participants learned about the Flemish PhD Stakeholder Engagement Panel and discussed collaboration between universities and the labour market, with particular attention to supporting PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers in their career development.
The study visit concluded with a meeting with VLIR‑UOS on funding opportunities. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on international cooperation, capacity building, and the role of higher education partnerships in supporting sustainable development and project applications.