Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad (VLIR)
Explore the connection between VLIR and VLIRUOS, highlighting their shared history and collaboration. This page provides insights into how these two entities work together to strengthen academic cooperation.
VLIRUOS is the operational agency for global sustainable development of the Flemish rectors’ conference (Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad). VLIR represents the five Flemish universities—KU Leuven, UGent, VUB, UAntwerpen, and UHasselt—coordinating their cooperation on education and research matters. VLIR was established in 1976 and serves as a key advisory body to the Flemish government on higher education policy, ensuring the Flemish university system functions cohesively.
In 1998, VLIRUOS was separated from VLIR to focus specifically on international cooperation, enabling the organisation to manage global partnerships that link academic expertise to development challenges in partner countries. This separation allows VLIR to continue its work within Flanders, while VLIRUOS focuses on fostering collaborations that contribute to global sustainable development.
Together, VLIR and VLIRUOS ensure that Flemish universities contribute to both the local higher education landscape and global development through impactful academic partnerships. While VLIR focuses on policy advice and internal Flemish cooperation, VLIRUOS drives international cooperation to address global challenges through education and research.