On Thursday 19 June, the Residence of Belgium in London welcomed scholars from across the United Kingdom for the Fourth Gathering of Belgian Researchers in the UK, an event that celebrates intellectual exchange, community, and the spirit of scientific collaboration.
Bringing together Belgian PhD holders, academics, and early-career researchers, the evening served as a space for thought-provoking dialogue on some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Bridging Disciplines: From Trade Policy to Disinformation
The event was enriched by two distinguished speakers whose expertise offered a window into the complexity of today’s global landscape.
- Professor Paul De Grauwe of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) opened the evening with an incisive lecture titled “Trump’s Trade War and Industrialisation.” Exploring the evolving dynamics of US-Europe trade relations, De Grauwe unpacked the long-term implications of protectionism, tariffs, and industrial policy, framing the discussion in a way that connected economic theory to the broader geopolitical context.
- Dr Rakoen Maertens of the University of Oxford followed with a timely talk on “The Psychology of Fake News.” Drawing on psychological research and behavioural science, his presentation explored how disinformation spreads, why it resonates, and what societies can do to counter its effects. It was a sobering yet hopeful look at one of the defining challenges of our digital age.
Together, these talks — one rooted in macroeconomic policy, the other in cognitive psychology — underscored the breadth and depth of Belgian academic talent in the UK.
A Community of Shared Purpose
Beyond the formal presentations, the event offered a rare chance for Belgian researchers to reconnect with one another across disciplines and institutions. The networking reception that followed encouraged dialogue, sparked new ideas, and strengthened professional ties within a vibrant and diverse research community.
The success of the evening reflected a shared commitment to fostering academic excellence and cross-border collaboration.
As the global research landscape becomes ever more interconnected, gatherings like these affirm that Belgian scholars continue to lead, not only through their contributions to knowledge, but through their commitment to dialogue, critical thinking, and community.
