Venue 

VUB aan Zee  

Graaf de Smet de Naeyerlaan 4 

8400 Oostende, Belgium 

 

Travelling to Ostend 

Oostende (Engl. Ostend) is easily accessible by train from Brussels (direct 1h15’) and other Belgian cities. International participants can travel via Brussels Airport and continue by train to Oostende. 

Getting to VUB aan Zee 

By train 

We encourage participants to consider travelling by train as a convenient and sustainable way to reach the event. Oostende railway station has direct connections with Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Kortrijk and other Belgian cities. Oostende railway station is located approximately 10 minutes walking from VUB aan Zee.  

By car 

VUB aan Zee is easily accessible by car via the E40/A10. Free parking is available at the Parking Maria-Hendrikapark (Iependreef, 8400 Oostende), approximately 5 to 10 minutes on foot from the venue. It is intended for passenger cars only; campers are not permitted. Several paid parking options are also available closer to the venue. Parking regulations, availability and rates may change, so please check the applicable terms and conditions before parking to avoid any unexpected charges or fines. 

Arrival & registration 

Registration opens at 8:30, with a welcome coffee and time to reconnect with fellow alumni. 

The programme starts at 9:00. The event concludes at 17:00, followed by a reception and further networking. 

Good to know 

The event brings together alumni from different generations and backgrounds for a day of exchange, inspiration and networking. 

Lunch, coffee breaks and the closing reception are included. The catering will be fully vegetarian, with no meat or fish served. Please indicate any other dietary requirements, food allergies or intolerances when registering. The event takes place indoors. 

As Oostende sometimes is cool, rainy and windy in November, we recommend bringing weather-appropriate clothing. 

VUB OceanConnectXL Team 

  • Dr. Jasper Dierick 

OceanConnectXL Alumni Event Manager 

  • Dr. Karolien Van Puyvelde 

VUB Coordinator of Oceans & Lakes 

  • Prof. Dr. Em. Nico Koedam 

VUB Promotor of ECOMAMA and Oceans & Lakes (2002–2022) 

  • Prof. Dr. Tom Van der Stocken 

Professor in Climate Change Ecology and OceanConnectXL Promotor 

Contact 

For questions about registration, travel or other practical arrangements, please contact Dr. Jasper Dierick (Jasper.Dierick@vub.be) or Dr. Karolien Van Puyvelde (Karolien.Van.Puyvelde@vub.be).