Ghent University Alumnus of the year Stefan Hertmans: "University has emancipated me"
Acclaimed author, essayist and poet Stefan Hertmans has strong ties to Ghent University as an alumnus, and later as a doctoral student and guest lecturer. To this day, academic research has played a key role in his work, and the foundations for this were laid at Ghent University. "My philosophical education has been essential in my thinking. The university has given me the ability to see a form of truth in doubt."
What does 2025 have in store for Europe in terms of war and peace?
2024 was a turbulent year, with ongoing military conflicts and geopolitical tensions. And judging by the news reports, 2025 is also shaping up to be a tumultuous year. So what is the status of our security in Europe? Should we be preparing for war?
Elisa demonstrates how fish waste can become a resource (and wins an award in the process)
In her master’s dissertation, bioengineer Elisa Kooy demonstrated how fish waste could find alternative uses, among others in future generations of rechargeable batteries. Her dissertation landed her the NBN Sustainability Award, which is part of the Flemish Dissertation Award. “The prize is wonderful but the process was even more valuable.”
Optimism as a driver of change: honorary doctorate for Christiana Figueres
Ghent University is awarding an honorary doctorate to Christiana Figueres for her tireless commitment to climate action and her unique ability to unite people and nations around a common goal. She has turned her stubborn optimism into a lifestyle.
Ghent University not only attracts researchers and students, businesses also like to establish a presence near the university. Excellent research, know-how and highly trained professionals constitute the ideal breeding ground for innovation.
Editors' picks
Ghent University Global Campus
Welcome to Ghent University… in South Korea
A fully-fledged university campus on the other side of the world with a sign at the entrance: ‘Ghent University’. In addition to campuses in Ghent, Merelbeke, Melle, Bruges, Ostend and Kortrijk, Ghent University even has one in ... South Korea. Professor Wesley De Neve has been teaching Korean Ghent University students there for years and also conducts research there.
The great unknown: studying at Ghent University in South Korea
Studying abroad is always an adventure. Student biochemistry and biotechnology Simon Knockaert felt more than at home on the Ghent University Global Campus in South Korea, 9,000 kilometres from Ghent.
What does a student from South Korea think about Ghent?
Every academic year, a whole group of Ghent University Global Campus students from South Korea come to Ghent to take classes here for a full semester. Eunji Jang (24) is one of them.
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The world becomes a lot safer when we lock up fewer people
Imagine if we locked up fewer people, or if there were no longer any prisons at all. Would that lead to more crime or, on the contrary, produce greater equality and security? An intriguing issue criminologist Tom Vander Beken loves to ponder.
Connected to Ghent University for life: why our alumni are so important to us
The role of alumni within any university is not to be underestimated. “Our contact with ex-students is immensely important for so many reasons: research, education, reputation, talent management and more besides…. ,” maintains Emeritus Professor Kristiaan Versluys.
In her will, Anja wants to save animals at the Ghent University animal hospital
Six months ago, Anja Peumans made the decision: she changed her will so that part of her inheritance would go to the Ghent University Animal Clinic. “I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Finally, I thought, I can fulfil my dream after I am gone”.
Are classical languages still of any use?
With clock-like regularity the debate pops up about whether studying Greek and Latin is still useful. Some claim that classical languages are useless on the job market. For others, they are the foundation of our society. What should we think about that? We asked hellenist Evelien Bracke and got a nuanced answer.
