About us

Together, we strive for enhanced coordination, synergy & complementarity and collective learning.

ARES, VLIRUOS, and the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) share the mission to contribute to global sustainable development through higher education and science. The thematic Joint Strategic Framework is a platform that brings together expertise from Belgian institutions for higher education and science beyond themes, disciplines, sectors, and geographic borders.

What do we do?

Empower future leaders, professionals and citizens: We prepare students to take up strategic changemaker roles to tackle global challenges.
Foster innovation delivering impact: We pioneer research addressing real-world challenges generating innovative solutions used by public and private sector and civil society organisations leading to global and local development.
Build mutual beneficial partnerships: We strengthen Belgian higher education through equal collaboration, enhancing research capacities in the Global South, and enabling co-creation of knowledge to address global challenges and drive innovation.
Strengthen Belgium’s soft power and diplomacy networks: Academic partnerships, scholarships and alumni networks create strong bonds with Belgium and its regions, which enhances our soft power and impact on peace and stability.

Our mission

We envision a world in which higher education, research, and international academic partnerships drive innovative solutions and evidence-based policies, empowering critical, resilient global citizens who actively shape society. This fosters sustainable development both locally and globally, ensuring a better future for all.

Belgian higher education and research institutions, supported by dynamic global networks, have been driving sustainable social and economic development for years, aligning with Belgian and international strategies. Inspired by academic solidarity, our impactful international partnerships, innovative projects, and scholarship programmes, nurture global leaders, advance research on global challenges, and build vibrant alumni communities, fostering global impact and stability.

How do we do it?

Instruments

Agents of change: Scholarships for future leaders, professionals and citizens
Drivers of change: Institutional partnerships and academic networks for lasting impact

Key features

Proven impact
Cost-efficient model with matching contributions
Mutual beneficial partnerships with clear benefits for all involved (win-win)
Power of scholarships and alumni networks
Long-term focus and commitment
Mix of education, research and applications in policies and practices
Lever for Team Belgium and Team Europe

Actors

ARES

ARES is the alliance of higher education institutions of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium. Its role is to guarantee the public service mission of...

ITM

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp strives for the advancement of science and health for all, through innovative research, advanced education, professional...

VLIRUOS

VLIRUOS, established under the umbrella of VLIR (the Flemish Interuniversity Council), is the leading platform for Flemish higher education to collaborate in the context...