Reflecting on the past, celebrating the future

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Lovanium, KU Leuven and UC Louvain are organizing a jubilee symposium to highlight their shared history with Congo and celebrate a renewed and strengthened partnership, looking to the future.

Join us for an engaging afternoon as we envision strong and equitable academic collaboration across continental borders.

When

• Date: October 11, 2024
• Schedule: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a reception

Address

• De Valk College
• Tiensestraat 41, 3000 Leuven

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About the main speakers

Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum

A Lovanium alumnus, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum is a Congolese microbiologist and founder of the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He gained notoriety for his key role in the investigation of the first Ebola outbreak in 1976. His time at the Rega Institute for Medical Research at KU Leuven was crucial in developing his expertise in virology and medical microbiology. Professor Muyembe Tamfum recently received the WHO Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to global health, as well as an honorary doctorate from Harvard University.

Professor Isidore Ndaywel è Nziem

Isidore Ndaywel è Nziem, a distinguished Congolese historian and linguist and alumnus of Lovanium, is renowned for his extensive research and publications on Congolese history. His work covers a wide range of topics and has contributed significantly to the understanding of the socio-political development and cultural heritage of the Congo.

Professor Ndaywel è Nziem is the author of notable works such as The Lovanium Years (Volumes I & II) and General History of the Congo. His leadership roles at institutions such as the National Library of Congo highlight his significant contributions to Congolese intellectual and cultural life. His commitment to education and historical preservation has earned him international recognition and respect within academic communities.

Professor Hippolyte Mimbu Kilol

Professor Hippolyte Mimbu Kilol is a Congolese scholar specializing in classical literature, particularly Latin studies. He received his doctorate from KU Leuven. Mimbu is a professor at the Catholic University of Congo and the National Pedagogical University. Mimbu is also a member of the African Academy of Religious, Social, and Political Sciences. His scholarly work covers classical texts, eloquence, and political history, particularly as it relates to the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is the author of several influential books, including Science and Conscience in the Service of the Nation, which focuses on sociopolitical and historical dynamics in the Congolese context and the role scientists can play in society.

Professor Placide Mumbembele Sanger

Professor Placide Mumbembele Sanger is a prominent figure in Congolese cultural heritage. He was Director General of the Institute of National Museums of Congo and currently teaches the history of Congolese museums at the University of Kinshasa. His research focuses on the challenges posed by museums and cultural heritage in the (post)colonial African context. He is also a Scientist in Residence, conducting provenance research at the Musée de l'Afrique.

Preliminary Program

14.00 – 14.20 Opening address by Prof. Luc Sels (Rector of KU Leuven) and Prof. Françoise Smets (Rector of UC Louvain) as well as Prof. Jean-Marie Kayembe (Rector of UNIKIN) and Prof. Leonard Santedi (Rector of UCC)

14.20 – 15.00 Lovanium over the years: historical perspective | Prof. Isidore Ndaywel è Nziem (UNIKIN) & Prof. Marc Depaepe (KU Leuven)

15.00 – 15.10 Living Heritage: The Architecture of Lovanium | Andre Ockerman (Ghent University)

15.10 – 15.30 KU Leuven statement on shared cultural heritage with Congo | Prof. Bert Demarsin (KU Leuven)

15.30 – 16.30 Panel discussion followed by a question-and-answer session with:

• Prof. Placide Mumbembele Sanger (UNIKIN);
• Prof. Bert Demarsin (KU Leuven);
• Bart Ouvry (Director General of the AfricaMuseum);
• Prof. Marie-Sophie de Clippele (UC Louvain).

16.30 – 16.45 Break

16.45 – 17.45 Reflections on the past and the future through the three science groups of KU Leuven

• Biomedical Sciences | Prof. Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum (UNIKIN) & Vice-Rector, Prof. Chris Van Geet (KU Leuven)
• Humanities and Social Sciences | Prof. Hippolyte Mimbu (UCC) & Prof. Peter De Mey (KU Leuven)
• Science, Engineering and Technology | The vice-rector, Prof. Peter Lievens (KU Leuven) & the pro-rector, Prof. Hervé Jeanmart (UC Louvain)

17.45 – 17.55 Academics for development

17.55 – 18.00 Closing remarks by Vice-Rector Chris Van Geet

18.00 – 19.45 Reception

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