On 23 October 2025, CRiS researcher Prof. Dr. Lucas Melgaço was awarded the academic title of Special Visiting Professor in Santa Clara (Cuba), in recognition of his longstanding collaboration with the Central University “Marta Abreu” of Las Villas (UCLV). He received this distinction during the Fifth International Scientific Convention UCLV 2025. The title honours both his personal achievements and his distinguished academic and scientific career.
Lucas Melgaço is also celebrated as a representative of the Strategic International Partnership (SIP) between UCLV and the VUB, a collaboration that has been flourishing for more than 25 years. This partnership has facilitated doctoral exchanges between Cuba and Belgium, supporting interdisciplinary research in criminology, heritage studies, and community development. Through the SIP, UCLV has strengthened its international position and built sustainable networks in Latin America and Africa.
Lucas is valued not only for his commitment to building academic bridges, but also for his deep societal engagement, which continues to inspire generations of students and colleagues in Cuba. He is praised for his extensive work on public spaces and his critical perspective on urban environments through the lens of “othering.”
In his acceptance speech, Lucas emphasized that this title represents more than a personal honour: it symbolizes the continuity of the long-standing, productive collaboration between the VUB and UCLV, a collaboration he is proud to advance. He expressed his gratitude to his colleagues at the VUB—Françoise De Cupere, Kim Van der Borght, and former Vice-Rector for Internationalisation Sonja Snacken, also a member of the Crime & Society research group—who helped pave the way for this partnership many years ago.
Drawing on the words of Brazilian geographer Milton Santos, Lucas praised the strong “organic solidarity” he encounters in Cuba, describing it as an invisible cement of mutual support that strengthens and empowers communities. He stressed that this is something Belgians can learn from, even—perhaps especially—during challenging times. Lucas also highlighted the importance of slowing down the pace of research to create space for quality, expressing his deep admiration for the Cuban way of life in which this ethos is so present.
Lucas is grateful for everything he has learned from working with Cuba and looks forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration.