Executive Board President Luc Sels awarded honorary degree by the University of Edinburgh
Honorary degree image: Monique Shaw
Executive Board President Luc Sels will receive an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh on 2 July, in recognition of his exceptional leadership in international higher education and his key role in fostering collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and European institutions.
Sels himself has maintained a close relationship with the University of Edinburgh over many years. Prior to his appointment as President of the Executive Board in Leiden, he served as Rector of KU Leuven, during which he worked closely with the Scottish university in various capacities, including the development of joint research activities, the advancement of the Una Europa alliance and advocacy relating to the European Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation.
He is able to continue this cooperation in Leiden, as Leiden University also has strong ties with the University of Edinburgh. They work together within the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and Una Europa.
In 2024, the relationship between the two universities was further strengthened with the establishment of The Hague Global Futures Hub. Within this framework, the universities collaborate in the fields of law, security, public administration and international relations. The hub focuses on addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research, teaching and partnerships with local and international institutions and organisations.