Name Activity Agogics "Research in general covers the wide area of social-cultural work and adult education, and more specifically theory building around the concept of adulthood and the philosophical fundamentals of agogics. The issue of cultural centres is followed. Furthermore, there is specialisation in art education. Research concerning connections between agogics and gerontology is also being done. Finally, there is also the domain of leisure and tourism which makes up a constant subject of research from a multi-disciplinary point of view." "Behavioural Biology" "Our research focuses on social behavioural mechanisms in mammals, especially humans. The core question is always an evolutionary one: In what why is behaviour an evolutionary adaptation? In human behaviour we emphasize on the analysis of communication of emotions, both the production of signals as their perception. The influence of testosterone on emotional behaviour is investigated. We also inquire into the appropriateness of the hypothesis about artistic expressions in humans: Art is formed by sexual selection, and has therefore adaptive value. As far as the social behaviour of non-human primates is concerned, the structure and cohesion of the harem system of hamadryas baboons is studied. In cats our research investigates the mechanism(s) the animals use to recognize kin, as well as how cats avoid inbreeding in a natural way. This topic has applied implications on animal welfare." "Behavioural Sciences - Learning" "The general focus is on the development of learning and problem solving capacity in university education. Research topics are: 1. Learning process and related teaching approaches; skills of a self-regulated learner and of a competent problem solver; selection of skills to improve in first year students; design and implementation of a powerful learning environment; the role of study effort in the learning process 2. Teaching skills; teaching approaches; cognitive factors underlying teaching approaches; factors which generate changes in teaching approach and in conceptions of teaching" "Brussels research center for Innovation in Learning and Diversity" "Koen Lombaerts" "Brussels research centre for Innovation in Learning and Diversity [BILD] is a research group embedded in the Department of Educational Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. BILD is committed to research in educational change and innovation in both compulsory and lifelong learning contexts (informal, non-formal and formal education). Central to all research activities is the promotion of participation and inclusion through educational interventions to drive systems-level change and open personalized pathways to opportunity. BILD-research focuses on three main research themes: (1) student-centered learning, (2) arts education, and (3) educational governance, with transversal expertise in digital technology and the professional development of educators.More information: https://bild.research.vub.be/  " "Center for Applied Linguistics" "The research group Centre for Applied Linguistics (CTL) carries out pluridisciplinary research. Important research domains of CTL are:-          cross-cultural research (mainly verbal and non verbal communication)-          communication needs and problems of specific populations (mainly business-oriented, possibly targeting a specific sector and/or job category)-          semi-autonomous blended learning (effectiveness and efficiency of language education and didactic methods, in particular those including the use of ICT in support of semi-autonomous learning)" "Central Academic Services" "De centraal academische diensten bestaan uit een aantal entiteiten die over de verschillende opleidingen, faculteiten, onderzoeksgroepen en vakgroepen diensten aanbieden. De entiteiten werken autonoom onder gedelegeerde bevoegdheid van de rector. Tot 30 september 2004 is Prof. B. Van Camp, rector van de VUB" "Centre for Applied Linguistics" "Niet beschikbaar" "Departement of spatial development, environment, energy, climate, green economy, animal welfare" "The Environment Department has the following tasks:the realization of a high-quality living environment, which makes use of various stocks and the available space in a sustainable waythe development of an integrated environmental policy (space, environment, nature and energy) aimed at policy preparation and implementation, support broadening, enforcement of regulations and policy evaluationcooperation with cities, municipalities and provinces for local environmental policy. Cities and municipalities are the first point of contact for citizens.The Environment Department came into being on 1 April 2017 from a merger of the Department of Environment, Nature and Energy and Space Flanders." "Department Instructional and Educational Sciences - other" "This is the general department research group of the Department Instructional and Educational Sciences ." Didactica "Wouter Schelfhout" "Didactica conducts scientific research in the field of didactics and teaching methodology. All components of lesson preparation, execution and processing fall within its scope: initial situation, objectives, subject matter, assessment, methodology, class arrangement, teaching materials, learning processes, linguistic competence and classroom interaction. Also belonging to Didactica's expertise is the relation between teaching practice and school policy, education policy or social developments outside of school, seen from a current and historical perspective. A topic of particular interest is the subject-specific professional development of teachers (subject didactics), primarily at secondary level but also at other educational levels. Issues that are not subject-specific however are treated too, viz. school language policy, cross-curricular attainment targets, research competencies and pre- or in-service training."