FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
Belgium
Address
Blindestraat 9Country
City
AntwerpProvince
AntwerpStreet address 2
2000Mobile Phone
+32472811343Telephone
+ 32(0)3 265 41 11Telephone (other)
+32467766727E-Mail (2)
zeynep.cetin@uantwerpen.beWebsite
Click HereYear of Establishment
2003Contact Person1
Zeynep CetinJob Title 1
PhD ResearcherContact Person 2
Yonca ErkanJob Title 2
ProfessorOrganisation Type
Public InstitutionFields of Activity
Democracy and community development, Environment/Sustainable development, Heritage, International/Cultural relations, Others, Research, Youth and educationGeneral Information
The University of Antwerp is a public research university with a comprehensive organisational structure consisting of nine faculties, multiple research institutes, and central administrative departments. It employs approximately 6,000 staff members and operates within an extensive academic and societal network, including partnerships with institutions such as Antwerp University Hospital and the Antwerp University Association.
The university is active in interdisciplinary education, scientific research, and service to society. Its activities include academic programmes, research projects, international collaborations, public engagement initiatives, and community-oriented events.
UAntwerp promotes global engagement through workshops, exchanges, seminars, and collaborative projects involving diverse stakeholders. The university supports and initiates community engaged, science based projects.
Mission and Objectives
Driven by its vision “Let’s define the future!”, the University of Antwerp aims to contribute positively to society through high-quality education, innovative research, and active societal engagement.
The university promotes critical thinking, sustainability, and global responsibility, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive participation. It aims to create impact both within academia and in broader scientific, social and cultural contexts.
Main Projects / Activities
The University of Antwerp is engaged in a wide range of interdisciplinary projects addressing societal, cultural, and environmental challenges. Its initiatives include cultural heritage and digital projects such as Antwerp Time Machine, as well as research and outreach activities in fields like urban sustainability, climate resilience, and social inclusion.
The university actively develops and participates in international collaborations and community-based projects, combining academic research with participatory approaches. These include workshops, public engagement activities, and co-creation processes with diverse stakeholders.
Through its research groups and initiatives, UAntwerp promotes innovative practices that connect culture, environment, and society, fostering intercultural dialogue and contributing to sustainable and inclusive development at both local and global levels.
https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
Through the University of Antwerp, we can contribute to the ALF Network by connecting academic knowledge with participatory socio-cultural initiatives in Belgium. The university’s strong international environment and diverse student community provide a creative and valuable platform for intercultural dialogue and collaboration.
Belgium is a highly diverse and multicultural society, particularly in cities like Antwerp, where communities from different cultural and migration backgrounds coexist. This diversity creates both opportunities and a strong need for inclusive cultural initiatives that supports dialogue, mutual understanding, and social cohesion, where differences are seen as assets, not sources of discrimination.
The University of Antwerp actively supports community-based scientific projects. Together with my team, I aim to initiate and organise workshops, artistic activities, and knowledge-sharing events that bring together local and international participants, especially around themes such as culture, sustainability, and social inclusion.
Additionally, we can contribute by linking the Network to ongoing research and community-based initiatives, fostering collaboration between academics, artists, and civil society actors. Through dissemination, partnerships, and active engagement, we seek to strengthen the Network’s visibility and impact at both the local and global levels.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
Driven by my personal passion for intercultural connection, I actively contribute to this environment by developing participatory artistic projects that bring together people from diverse backgrounds. For example, I am currently involved in a contemporary dance community with international women, with an upcoming performance in Borgerhout, a neighbourhood known for its rich cultural diversity, including Moroccan, Turkish, and African communities. This performance is designed as an open street event that encourages public participation and interaction to spread love, connection, peace, and shared emotions.
As someone living in a country where I am not a native citizen and do not speak the local language, I deeply understand the importance of inclusive spaces that go beyond linguistic and cultural barriers. Over the years, I have built a network through communities, volunteer work, group initiatives, and artistic performances across Belgium and the Netherlands. I aim to expand these initiatives and lead diverse teams to create meaningful intercultural projects.
Lastly, as someone who lives between cultures, my ultimate dream is to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected, and to strengthen dialogue, empathy, and shared cultural understanding. Joining the Network would allow me to exchange knowledge, collaborate with like-minded organisations and artists, and extend the reach of my current projects.