Home to Europe’s most innovative university

The KU Leuven has a 6 centuries-old tradition of ground-breaking research and high quality education. The university is growing fast, both in quantity and quality. Reuters identifies and ranks the educational institutions which are doing the most to advance science, invent new technologies and power new markets and industries. KU Leuven University is the highest-ranked non-US institution on the Reuters list.

Perfectly accessible: 15 min. from the airport

It takes only a 15 min. train ride from Brussels National Airport to Leuven. This is the major international airport for travel to Belgium, and welcomes direct flights from over 200 destinations. 500 million European inhabitants can reach Belgium in less than 3 hours. Leuven is one of the most sustainable and healthy cities in Europe (European Green Leaf 2018) with traffic-free zones and outstanding cycling infrastructure. In the city, all locations are within walking distance but an extensive bus network provides extra mobility.

One of the world’s prime regions for health, high-tech and creativity


The university hospitals of Leuven are among the most modern and well-equipped in Europe, combining education and advanced research with medical care in one single location. Global player Imec aims to be the world-leading R&D and innovation company in nanoelectronics and digital technologies.

A centre for education, research and innovation

The collaboration between the university, the city, research hospitals and knowledge-driven entrepreneurs is Leuven’s biggest strength. The city has won several awards such as the European Green Leaf 2018 and was a finalist of the European iCapital Awards.

A vibrant student city with a rich beer culture

Since 1366, people have been brewing in Leuven. Centuries go by and in 1926, Stella Artois was born. AB InBev is still the biggest brewery of the world today. Every year, more than 50,000 students move into the city and experience the dynamic student life. 20% of them are international students which makes Leuven a multicultural city.

A city with centuries-old cultural heritage

Leuven has a lot to offer in terms of cultural heritage. The gothic town hall, the Grand Beguinage and the Saint Peter’s Church are worth a visit. The historic university buildings, located around the city, might be your lunch or dinner venue during the conference.