Lessons learned: Doing (community-engaged) research in Brussels? Consider UM Campus Brussels as your partner

Summary of the key points

UM Campus Brussels was founded in 2010 as part of Maastricht University’s broader internationalisation. The campus has three main functions: it is a teaching and training centre, a research community hub, and a UM embassy in the capital of the European Union. The six-person team of the Campus is trained to provide technical and programme support for UM staff (researchers, educators and students) who wish to host education, research, and/or outreach activities in Brussels. Activities are initiated by the faculties or individual researchers and rolled out in collaboration with the campus.

A research community hub

UM Campus Brussels supports research projects in various ways. UM staff and researchers can use the campus to host academic events to discuss work in progress, share research findings and engage with a European and international audience (media, academics, policymakers).

As a co-working space, UM Campus Brussels brings together the different UM communities living or working in Brussels.

What does UM Campus Brussels offer?

A free and central location in Brussels: the campus is located close to the EU institutions and easily accessible through public transportation. The UM campus building is freely accessible to UM staff and students during opening hours (09:00-17:30).

A representative and well-equipped venue: the building has a recognisable UM look and feel and is equipped to host hybrid meetings. The largest room can host up to 100 guests. Meeting rooms are equipped with a number of screens and ceiling microphones. Guest speakers and lecturers can record and broadcast live lectures through webcam. The building also has an outdoor terrace.

A well-trained team: the team is trained to host events and to help with the practical support of events. The team is also able to provide programme support by looking for relevant speakers or audiences, as desired, or by moderating events. The team can also make video recordings of online events, or short promotional videos for research topics.

Conclusion

MPCER researchers interested in doing community-engaged research in Brussels are invited to reach out to UM Campus Brussels for any type of logistical, technical or programme assistance.

Contact details

UM Campus Brussels
Tervurenlaan 153
1150 St-Pieters-Woluwe
0031 433 884 383
campusbrussels@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Resources:

This report shows an overview of the type of activities the Campus hosts under its three main functions (teaching and training centre, research community hub, UM embassy).

This brochure explains how the Campus connects with the UM and its six faculties.

This brochure provides information on how to organise a hybrid or online event at the Campus.

This brochure explains the different “standard” and “non-standard” types of services the Campus offers. The standard support is free of charge.

This brochure provides information on the field trips that UM Campus Brussels can help organise for UM staff, departments, associations, platforms.

This brochure provides information about the facilities, venue, and services for UM students and staff.

This brochure provides information on study trips for UM students.