2025 has come and gone. At Ghent University, it was another year full of new knowledge, interesting questions, some wonderful awards, and remarkable events. Look back at some memorable moments, both big and small.
JANUARY: Was it Judith or not?
Following the VRT program "Het Verhaal van Vlaanderen" (The Story of Flanders), an exhibition about the progenitor of the Counts of Flanders ran until January 2025. These Ghent University researchers went in search of Judith.
FEBRUARY: UGent’ers at the South Pole
Biologist Bjorn Tytgat spent several weeks at the Princess Elisabeth Station at the South Pole in early 2025. He studied climate change in one of the most vulnerable areas of our planet.
MARCH: Honorary doctorate for Christiana Figueres
Ghent University honored Christiana Figueres with an honorary doctorate for her tireless commitment to climate action. She made stubborn optimism a way of life.
APRIL: Marathon for charity
Friends and family gathered at the starting line of the Ghent Marathon to commemorate Juno De Hauwere and raise money for leukemia research. They raised over €20.000 for the Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG).
MAY: Stefan Hertmans is Ghent University alumnus of the year
Acclaimed author, essayist, and poet Stefan Hertmans has strong ties to Ghent University: as an alumnus, later as a doctoral candidate and guest lecturer. "Becoming Alumnus of the Year is a form of coming home and receiving recognition."
JUNE: Winners of the Campuscup
For the second time in history, Ghent University students won the VRT Campus Cup quiz. Congratulations to our law students Jutte, Frances, Ruben, and Florian!
JULY: Bio airconditioner in Venice
At the Biennale Architettura in Venice, a unique experimental setup from the Netherlands was on display, featuring 250 subtropical plants and trees. Professor Kathy Steppe collaborated on the project.
AUGUST: Brand new student centre
A brand-new building stands proudly on Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat: the Student Centre. Students can find information, advice, and guidance there before, during, and after their studies.
SEPTEMBER: 20 years Student Kick-Off
What started as a wild idea for seven students has grown into the largest student welcome festival in the country. Together with co-founder and Ghent University alumnus Frederic Seghers, we look back on the first edition of the Student Kick-Off.
OCTOBER: New rector and vice-rector
A new chapter for Ghent University and for themselves. How did Petra De Sutter and Herwig Reynaert experience their first weeks as rector and vice-rector?
NOVEMBER: Three stolpersteine for UGent'ers
Three Ghent University victims of Nazism during World War II were given a stumbling block in Ghent's streets. Who are Valère, Falks, and Rifca?
DECEMBER: Award for Ignaas Devisch
Ignaas Devisch received the Science Communication Career Award from the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Sciences and the Arts (KVAB) and the Young Academy. "It's a wonderful recognition," says the medical philosopher.