On 12 May 2025, the 2nd Edition of the Young Academic and Digital Academic Leadership Development Program commenced at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), welcoming faculty members from Shanghai University for an intensive leadership training initiative. Organized by the LEAD Academic Network, the program equips academic leaders with skills to navigate digital transformation and foster international collaboration in higher education.
In her opening speech, Prof. dr. Chang Zhu, coordinator of the LEAD Academic Network, introduced the mission of the Network to empower academic leaders to adapt to the rapidly changing contexts in higher education. She emphasized the dual challenge facing academic leaders in embracing technological advancements and building global academic networks. Participants engaged in a reflective exercise, drafting personal growth plans that addressed their leadership goals -- from expanding international collaborations to integrating AI tools for teaching and research efficiency.
Anthony Antoine, Executive Director of the Brussels School of Governance, led a dynamic workshop on academic leadership types and styles, drawing parallels between academic and corporate leadership. “Empowering teams with the right skillsets is critical in volatile environments,” he remarked, illustrating his points with real-life case studies.
The afternoon session featured Prof. dr. Bas van Heur, who shared his journey as an academic leader at the Cosmopolis Centre for Urban Research of VUB, and the challenges he faced in aligning research, curriculum and institutional resources. His candid discussion on overcoming academic silos through networking resonated with participants. The session concluded with an interactive tour of the Cosmopolis Centre, offering participants firsthand exposure to urban research projects.
Over the coming days, the program will delve into AI’s roles in academia, team management strategies, and entrepreneurial leadership. This program reinforces the five-year partnership between VUB and Shanghai University, committed to advancing academic transdisciplinary leadership and promoting digital innovation in higher education.
