Since its founding in 1834, the Université libre de Bruxelles has been closely involved in the ongoing debate on critical thinking and freedom. This includes open opposition to dictatorships and other nationalist abuses, the promotion of equal opportunities, and a multitude of other social issues. The ULB has produced four Nobel Prize winners in science (Jules Bordet, Albert Claude, Ilya Prigogine, and the recent Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to François Englert, professor emeritus, in 2013), one Nobel Peace Prize (Henri La Fontaine), one Fields Medal, three Wolf Prizes, two Abel Prizes, and numerous other awards that testify to the University's long tradition of excellence.

ULB is a partner in 20 doctoral schools, with nearly 1,900 doctorates currently in progress. Founded in 1894 by Ernest Solvay in Brussels, the Institute of Sociology (formerly the Institute of Social Sciences) was dedicated to fundamental and empirical research. Actively involved in the European Research Area, ULB coordinates or participates in numerous European projects and networks. The university has received 20 awards from the European Research Council (ERC). In addition, its Institute for European Studies is recognized as a Jean Monnet European Research Center.