Workshop: A Critical Reflection on University Funding: Structure, Trends and Possible Futures

Описание: 28/01/2026
This workshop was imed at critically examine the architecture of university funding. We covered the allocation model at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and explored the philosophical, ethical, and practical consequences of our current systems.

Speakers:
Arne Van Uytsel (R&D/VUB), Allocation Model at the VUB - Structure and Dashboard
Karen Verelst (CLEA/VUB), University Funding Evolution over the Last Century
Organizer: Tomas Veloz (CLEA/VUB).

Summary

Faculty-Level Allocation Concerns

The VUB's internal model modifies the AVOX (Flemish government) model by reducing parameters to 70% of their original weight and incorporating internal datasets for PhDs and publications. CLEA raised significant concerns about the weighting system, particularly that PhDs in sciences are valued twice as much as those in humanities. The publication counting system credits multiple authors from the same department once, but different departments fully—creating complex cross-faculty dynamics.

A major frustration emerged regarding internationalization efforts: work done since 2015-2016 is not counted due to a frozen window period. The faculty in question has been growing over seven years, though some growth resulted from the Department of Communication transferring from another faculty. Tomas expressed concern about the faculty's underinvestment and lack of renewal, warning that the government may intervene due to structural deficits.

Transparency and Strategic Challenges

Significant transparency issues plague the funding system. R&D keeps their allocation models secretive, making information sharing difficult. There is no social redistribution between departments within faculty funding, while CLIA receives funding from both the allocation model and "bus funding" (85% to CLIA, 15% to Harp). Arne noted being one of the few people with detailed insight into the allocation model, working primarily for the faculty's Department of Policy and Strategy.

The current system provides unclear guidance on optimal actions and doesn't foster innovation, potentially undermining the university's mission. Arne suggested focusing on PhDs, publications, and external research funding to stabilize long-term funding, estimating approximately 370 euros per unweighted publication over three years.

Historical Context: Belgian University Development

Karen Verelst provided extensive historical background, emphasizing that universities are unique pre-modern social and professional organizations with shared global identity despite varying national legislation. Medieval universities originated from the concept of "universitas" and "studium generale," teaching the trivium and quadrivium with judicial independence. They were initially supported by church or wealthy patrons.

Belgian university development reflected the country's unique position: by the late 19th century, Belgium became an industrial powerhouse with a distinctive educational system combining state and private institutions with equal funding. This led to rapid democratization of higher education after World War II, allowing students from various social backgrounds university access. The system evolved from allowing universities to organize various degrees independently to more standardized structures due to financial constraints and political pressures, particularly through the Bologna process and European Commission directives.