The key to solving complex social challenges lies in interdisciplinary collaboration. Every year, the Interdisciplinary Project Day brings together more than 700 students from seven different programmes, including international students. At the heart of the event is one central theme—always a challenge too complex to be viewed from a single field of study. For example, in 2024 students worked on PFAS pollution, while in 2025 the focus was on the future of local airports.

Throughout the day, students attend inspiring keynotes, work in interdisciplinary teams, and put their questions to experts from a wide range of fields: from health and the environment to law, economics, and communication.

The strength of the day lies in this collaboration across disciplines. Students discover how their own expertise forms a crucial piece of a larger puzzle and how new insights emerge when different fields come together. This makes the Project Day a unique learning experience that prepares students for the complex challenges of tomorrow.

The next Interdisciplinary Project Day will take place on 25 March 2026.

The project day was launched with the support of the Voorsprongfonds and a few pioneering faculties. Today, it has grown into a widely supported initiative, embedded across several programmes at UAntwerp. Thanks to tailor-made preparation materials and online support, the day remains manageable, even with such a large number of participants.

The formula is always the same: a plenary opening, inspiring pitches, mixed table sessions, and a concluding panel discussion. Each edition traditionally ends on a creative note with a contribution from the campus poet.

The strength lies in both interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to students and lecturers, external partners are also involved: companies, public authorities, civil society organizations, and citizen initiatives. Together, they provide realistic cases, hands-on experience, and direct feedback.

Each year, experts from a wide range of fields are invited to share their insights. In 2024, Greta Schoeters (environment & health), Frederik Picard (crisis communication), Isabelle Larmuseau (law), Peter Verhezen (economics), and Luc Van Liedekerke (economics) took the floor. In 2025, students received input from Sarah Bernolet(communication), Wouter Dewulf (economics), Roeland Samson(ecology), Esther Van Zimmeren (law), and the citizens’ initiative Vliegerplein.

Their diverse perspectives highlight how deeply intertwined disciplines are in addressing major societal challenges. Students greatly value this mix of viewpoints, especially because they have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers in debate.

"You only realize how complex sustainability really is when you work together with an economist, a lawyer, and an activist at the same time. It’s challenging, but also incredibly enriching.”

With hundreds of students and numerous partners involved, organizing the event is an intensive process. Early planning, a dedicated coordination team, and the enthusiasm of lecturers and programmes ensure that it remains manageable.

Each edition proves the significant impact: students learn systems thinking, build resilience, and prepare for a society where interdisciplinarity is essential. The project day is therefore much more than an ordinary study day; it is an exercise in bridge-building, creative thinking, and jointly developing sustainable solutions.

2025: Sustainability challenges in airport development

2024: Exploring PFAS Sustainability Challenges

2023:Sustainability issue of PFOS