A Memorandum of Understanding – first signed between the institutions in 2009 to formally recognise their decades-long partnership – was renewed during a ceremony at the Belgian Embassy in London.

The relationship was first established in 1965 by the Belgian public interest organisation Fondation Wiener-Anspach (FWA), and since then students, researchers and academics have travelled across the Channel in both directions as part of academic exchanges.

The FWA promotes the development of scientific exchanges between the ULB and the universities of Oxford and Cambridge by awarding fellowships and grants, and by supporting research collaborations in all fields. It also organises conferences and encourages contacts between academics by funding short-term visits.

The ceremony was attended by Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University; Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University; Professor Anne Weyembergh, Vice-Rector for External Relations and Cooperation (ULB); Professor Didier Viviers, President of Fondation Wiener-Anspach, and Bruno van der Pluijm, Belgian Ambassador to the UK.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Prentice, said: “The partnership has allowed students and scholars in Brussels, in Cambridge and Oxford to find a firm footing in the world of academia and beyond. In the years ahead, I am confident that it will continue to enable new accomplishments and scientific breakthroughs, as well as the creation of innovative businesses and the nurturing of careers in public service on both sides of the Channel.”