Directorate General for Non-Compulsory Education and Scientific Research

Overview

The Direction générale de l’Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche scientifique (DGENORS) is a key public institution within the Belgian federal structure, operating under the Ministry of the French Community (Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles). Established in 1991, DGENORS is responsible for overseeing non-compulsory education—including vocational training, adult education and higher education—and for coordinating scientific research activities in the French-speaking regions of Belgium. Its mission encompasses policy development, regulatory oversight and the promotion of academic and scientific excellence.

History and Legal Framework

DGENORS was founded in 1991 as part of the Belgian government's decentralization efforts, which transferred significant educational and cultural responsibilities to the Communities. As a public administrative body, it operates within the legal framework established by the Belgian Constitution and the Special Institutional Reforms Act of 1980, which delineates the competencies of the federal state and its constituent entities. DGENORS is part of the broader Administration générale de l’Enseignement et de la Recherche scientifique, which encompasses various entities responsible for different aspects of education and research in the French Community.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

DGENORS' primary mission is to ensure the quality and accessibility of non-compulsory education and to foster scientific research. Its objectives include:

• Developing and implementing policies for higher education institutions, including universities and higher education institutions;
• Providing funding and support for scientific research across various disciplines;
• Promoting lifelong learning opportunities for adults;
• Ensuring the recognition and equivalence of foreign academic and professional qualifications.

Through these initiatives, DGENORS aims to enhance the educational landscape and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in Belgium.

Governance, Structure and Independence

DGENORS operates under the Ministry of the French Community and is part of the Administration générale de l’Enseignement et de la Recherche scientifique. It collaborates with various other entities within the administration, including:

• Direction générale de l’Enseignement obligatoire;
• Direction générale des Personnels de l’Enseignement;
• Service général de Coordination, de Conception et des Relations sociales;
• Service général de l’Enseignement organisé par la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.

While DGENORS is a public institution, it operates with a degree of administrative autonomy to effectively manage its responsibilities in education and research.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

DGENORS plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality of higher education through its oversight functions. It collaborates with the Agence pour l’évaluation de la qualité de l’enseignement supérieur (AEQES), an independent public agency responsible for evaluating the quality of higher education programs. AEQES conducts assessments of university and higher education curricula, identifying strengths and areas for improvement and provides recommendations to enhance educational quality. These evaluations contribute to the development of a quality culture within institutions and inform policy decisions.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

DGENORS actively participates in international networks and collaborations to align Belgian higher education and research with global standards. It engages with various European and international organizations to promote academic cooperation, share best practices and contribute to the development of higher education policies. These partnerships enhance the international visibility of Belgian institutions and foster cross-border academic exchanges.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

Currently, DGENORS continues to influence Belgian higher education through its policy initiatives, funding programs and quality assurance mechanisms. Looking ahead, it aims to:

• Adapt to emerging educational trends and technological advancements;
• Enhance the integration of research and teaching;
• Promote inclusivity and accessibility in higher education;
• Strengthen international collaborations and partnerships.

These efforts are expected to further elevate the quality and competitiveness of Belgian higher education on the global stage.

Summary

The Direction générale de l’Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche scientifique is a central body in Belgium's educational and research landscape. Through its comprehensive approach to policy development, quality assurance and international collaboration, DGENORS plays a crucial role in shaping the future of non-compulsory education and scientific research in the French-speaking regions of Belgium.

FAQs

• What is the role of DGENORS?
  DGENORS oversees non-compulsory education and coordinates scientific research in the French Community of Belgium, ensuring quality and accessibility.
• How does DGENORS contribute to higher education quality?
  It collaborates with AEQES to evaluate and improve higher education programs, fostering a culture of quality within institutions.
• Can DGENORS assist with the recognition of foreign qualifications?
  Yes, through its Service de la Reconnaissance académique et professionnelle des diplômes étrangers, DGENORS helps assess and recognize foreign academic and professional qualifications.
• Is DGENORS involved in international educational collaborations?
  Yes, DGENORS engages in various international networks to promote academic cooperation and align with global educational standards.

Organization Name

Directorate General for Non-Compulsory Education and Scientific Research
Direction générale de l'Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche scientifique

Acronym

DGENORS

Year of Establishment

1991

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Rue Adolphe Lavallée, 1
Bruxelles
1080 Brussels Belgium

Phone

+32 (2) 690 8700

Fax

+32 (2) 690 8760

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Not available

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