Honorary Professorship Award Ceremony – Professor Dame Helen Wallace

On 3 October 2025, we had the honour of awarding an Honorary Professorship to Dame Helen WALLACE, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to European studies and to the academic life of our institution.

An alumna and Professor at the College of Europe for over two decades, Dame Helen Wallace not only taught generations of students but also inspired them, becoming a true pillar of the College of Europe’s intellectual community. As the initiator of the EU simulation games at the College, she profoundly transformed the way students engage with and experience Europe in practice, shaping one of the College’s most defining academic traditions.

During the ceremony, Professor Michael KAEDING, Director of Studies of the European Political and Governance Studies Department, emphasised Dame Helen’s lasting impact, describing her as “one of the most authoritative and trusted voices in European integration, building bridges between disciplines, countries, people, and very often between Britain and Europe.”

Beyond her academic contributions, Dame Helen was also instrumental in expanding the UK scholarship scheme at the College, opening doors for countless students who followed in her footsteps.

The award of this Honorary Professorship stands as a testament to her enduring influence on the College and her unwavering commitment to the European project. Her work continues to inspire students, scholars, and colleagues alike, leaving a lasting mark on the spirit and history of our community.

Photos of the Event