With this new appointment, the IES sees a familiar face take charge of its academic activities. Indeed, Prof. Dr. Mattelaer is not only a senior member of the IES’ International Security cluster, he also has a longstanding affiliation with the Institute in different managerial capacities, having served as Assistant Director and Acting Academic Director for several years in the past. Beyond the IES, Prof. Dr. Mattelaer held posts as Director of European Affairs at Egmont Institute, and Fulbright Schuman Fellow at Harvard University and National Defense University. With a research background on diplomacy and defence issues, he currently teaches several courses at VUB related to EU and international security.
Commenting on this new appointment, Prof. Dr. Mattelaer stated: “I am very excited to take up this role at the IES at a time when the European political architecture and the wider international order is crossing an inflection point. Also at the level of the VUB we are witnessing new developments, with intensified internationalisation being one of them. I particularly look forward to two challenges: starting a new research strategy for navigating an age of societal turmoil, and pursuing closer cooperation between the IES and Vesalius College, two VUB entities focused on internationally-oriented research and education. Finally, in the name of the whole Institute, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Prof. Dr. Luk Van Langenhove, not only for his dedicated service, but also for having expanded the Institute's horizon."
I'm looking forward to starting a new research strategy for navigating an age of societal turmoil, and pursuing closer cooperation between the IES and Vesalius College.