The Flemish scientist and former politician Frank Vandenbroucke has been appointed as university professor at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). As a university professor, Vandenbroucke will focus at promoting research and debate about the social significance of the European Union. The appointment is effective from November 1, 2015.

Vandenbroucke will bring together insights from economic, social and political science research. The key question is on which normative foundations the EU can legitimize and develop (social) policy. Vandenbroucke will work closely with ACCESS EUROPE, the platform of the UvA and the VU University focused on research, education and public debate on Europe and the European Union. He will also work with the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR) of the University of Amsterdam.

“Frank Vandenbroucke is a great authority in the field of the European Union and the development of social and employment policy within the EU. He combines an extensive experience in both politics and science, enabling it to connect both perspectives”, says prof. dr. Dymph van den Boom, rector magnificus of the University of Amsterdam. “I am very pleased that Vandenbroucke joins the university professors of the University of Amsterdam.”