Connection
We build bridges. In our communication, we deliver stories respectfully, without taking a stand. We have empathy and pay attention to sensitivities. When our stories do include these, we explain where necessary why something may be difficult or unpleasant for some.
- Example 1:
- INCORRECT: A lot of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students study at the University of Antwerp. We are proud of that, because everyone is welcome here, even if you are different.
- CORRECT: Diversity is part of the DNA of the University of Antwerp and the common thread in a global world. We pay attention to and have respect for everyone's talents and character, their social, cultural and religious background and their personal dreams for the future. At our university, everyone can feel at home, because diversity enriches us at every level and enables us to keep growing as a community.
- Example 2:
- INCORRECT: Do you experience difficulties due to dyslexia, a physical disability, AD(H)D or any other impairment? At the University of Antwerp, the special facilities statute will help you find a solution to your problems.
- CORRECT: Studying with a disability requires extra effort, which is not always obvious. The University of Antwerp offers support and adapted guidance via the special facilities statute. Together, we look for solutions to the obstacles you encounter during your studies to make your study trajectory as smooth as possible.
- Example 3:
- INCORRECT: Would you like to give your degree a European touch and increase your chances on the job market? Thanks to our participation in Young Universities for the Future of Europe, this is possible! YUFE ensures that you have an edge on the job market with your international diploma.
- CORRECT: The world is your classroom. That's what the University of Antwerp wholeheartedly supports. The extensive international and intercultural competences you acquire are an asset in our globalising society. That is why, together with seven European partners, we created the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE), a university that transcends geographical, political, social, linguistic and programme boundaries.
Innovation
There are a lot of bright minds at the University of Antwerp, with scientists working on tough and relevant issues that everyone should know about. Avoid technical terms in your communication and show how original thinking can lead to insights.
- Example 1:
- INCORRECT: In this interview, Sofie Peeters, from the Faculty of Applied Engineering, talks about her research on energy density in batteries with a solid electrolyte.
- CORRECT: A major disadvantage of electric cars is the limited distance you can drive with them before having to recharge. Our colleague Sofie Peeters is changing that, because thanks to her research, batteries last much longer. Find out all about it here.
- Example 2:
- INCORRECT: Through data mining, predictive analytics and machine learning, our colleagues managed to predict who will win the Cycling World Championships:
- CORRECT: Soon, the Cycling World Championships will kick off in Antwerp, but we already know that Julian Alaphilippe will triumph once more. This is because a team of PhD students affiliated with the Faculty of Applied Engineering developed an algorithm that can predict who will win sports races. They do this by combining many parameters - previous performances, the weather, teammates, and more. Curious about the technical explanation? You can discover it here.
- Example 3:
- INCORRECT: The research group EMIB, affiliated with the University of Antwerp, has developed an asphalt solar collector system that keeps a bicycle lane on Campus Groenenborger free of snow and sleet.
- CORRECT: Snow and black ice are making the roads dangerously slippery these days, despite the use of road salts. One exception: a stretch of bicycle lane on Campus Groenenborger of the University of Antwerp. A pipe system with flowing water ensures that snow and black ice have no chance on the asphalt. Find out all about it here.
Impact
Those who work at the University of Antwerp don't spend all their time buried in books, but stand at the heart of society.. Our communication makes this evident: wherever possible, we highlight the social relevance of our work. We don't want to come across as too idealistic or pushy, but focus on showing our engagement.
- Example 1:
- INCORRECT: After four years of research, Sofie Peeters has finished her PhD on women's disadvantage in the labour market.
- CORRECT: In her doctoral research, Sofie Peeters discovered that women with the desire to have children are less likely to get a full-time contract than those without. Together with Els Vandamme of City of Antwerp, she set up a new trajectory, which they talk about tonight on MNM.
- Example 2:
- INCORRECT: We are the only university in Flanders that surveyed more than 100,000 people for a large Corona Study. This allows us to find out what the Flemish people think about the current measures and even allows our researchers to join the Overlegcomité.
- CORRECT: The University of Antwerp launches the second part of the Corona Study.✏️As more than 100,000 Flemish people have done before, you can fill in our questionnaire and let us know what you think of the new measures. As was the case with the first part, the answers will serve as input for the next Overlegcomité.
- Example 3:
- INCORRECT: The University of Antwerp is putting an end to the fiery debate surrounding student initiations once and for all. By investigating the initiation activities of its student clubs, the University of Antwerp can make general recommendations to bring the initiation climate fully into line.
- CORRECT: After the tragic death of Sanda Dia, student initiations have come under fire more than ever. That is why the University of Antwerp commissioned a comprehensive study of the initiation activities of its student clubs. The final report makes recommendations to achieve a healthy and open initiation climate for higher education in Antwerp.
Quality
How do we remain earnest without becoming dry? By inspiring people, avoiding cheap words and being bold enough to think beyond the obvious. In this way, we create recognisability and confidence that make us stand out.
- Example 1:
- INCORRECT: Are you a creative jack-of-all-trades? Our young and dynamic marketing team is looking for a graphic designer 🎨 Check the vacancy here 👇🏻
- CORRECT: At the University of Antwerp, we thoroughly understand the notion of different horses for different courses - from ponies to racehorses. Find out all about our animal rights mission at this link:
- Example 2:
- INCORRECT: Still don't know which school or field of study suits you? We'll fix that! Register for our Openlesdagen and experience classes at the University of Antwerp for yourself.
- CORRECT: Try first, choose later. That's what we believe in at the University of Antwerp. During the Openlesdagen, you can take one or several classes from our bachelor's programmes. That way, you can experience a class for yourself and discover how a lecturer teaches or how difficult a course unit is. Visit our university and have a taste.
- Example 3:
- INCORRECT: Exercise is good for your health, which is why the University of Antwerp offers the benifical MOVE package. The possibilities are endless: group classes, competitions, introductions to different sports and more.
- CORRECT: A healthy mind in a healthy body. That's what we believe in at the University of Antwerp. Exercise is not only good for your health, but it also helps you relax and perform better in your studies. With MOVE, you can discover an extensive range of sports at an affordable price, because at the University of Antwerp, we don't stand still.
- INCORRECT: Exercise is good for your health, which is why the University of Antwerp offers the benifical MOVE package. The possibilities are endless: group classes, competitions, introductions to different sports and more.