The Vrije Universiteit Brussel has a strong and longstanding expertise on secular thought, in historical as well as contemporary perspectives. This is rooted in the basic principle of the university, the principle of free inquiry (vrij onderzoek), which unites scientists from the exact and human sciences alike. The newly established Secular Studies Association Brussel (SSAB) unites the academics as the Center for the Study of the Enlightenment and Free Thought once did. The present core of the new research group is still to be found in the humanities, with researchers from the departments of history, philosophy, the law faculty and the faculty of psychology and education. We warmly welcome contributions made by other disciplines. As such our approach to secular studies is purposely broad.
We are convinced that research into the growing group of seculars in society should become a spearhead of our university, able to collaborate on an equal footing with analogous foreign researchers and institutes. These collaborations or partnerships can provide a platform able to connect with a society that is increasing in diversity, but where the, broadly defined, secular profile is still little known.
Recent news
A new Eutopia scientific collaborator!
Steven Geusens first pursued his bachelor’s degree in history (2016-2019), followed by his master’s (2020), obtaining both at the VUB. Within the framework of these initial studies, a desire to specialize into group associations with a religious and philosophical background grew.Publication alert: The Nonreligious and the State (open access)
Almost two years ago to this day, our research group hosted its inaugural conference at the Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten. And now the subsequent book ‘The Non-Religious and the State’ has finally been published with De Gruyter Brill!Welcoming a new vice-president
At the start of the academic year, the board of SSAB loses one of its members to a new position at Antwerp University. Emiliano, we wish you well! And of course, we will be seeing you at our workshop on European Islam in December! So also do we welcome a new vice-president!
Events
- Practical info-
Eutopia workshop: Current research on Islam in Europe (BCRS)
On December 11, the ULB-VUB Joint research group Brussels Center for Religious and Secular Studies hosts its first workshop. The subject matter is current issues in research on Islam in Europe.
- Practical info-
Multidisciplinary SSAB-Workshop: "Secularising/secularised Cities” (Eutopia event)
In this workshop, scholars from different disciplines (literature studies, ecofeminism, aesthetics and urban studies) discuss the complex phenomenon of the reciprocal influence between individuals and urban culture and disciplinin
- Practical info-
Biography and Secularism (Eutopia event)
From 22-23 March, we will hold the first activity in the wider project of 'Biography and Secularism'.