The Ghent University Alumnus of the Year award is still a recent tradition at Ghent University, but one that is here to stay. Because Ghent University wouldn't be Ghent University without our alumni, we honour one former student who has made special achievements each year. So which alumni received the award in the past?
Virologist Steven Van Gucht as the first laureate
The first Ghent University Alumnus of the Year was chosen in 2022, when the coronavirus was still very much on the agenda. Quite logically, the first name on our honours list was chosen in that context: virologist Steven Van Gucht. "It really does matter to me because I still feel at home at Ghent University", was his first reaction.
In his chat with Ghent University, Van Gucht elaborated on the role of scientists during the coronavirus pandemic: "At a time like that, you're not just a scientist. Above all, you're a crisis manager. The speed at which everything had to happen doesn't work in pure science", he said. His opinion about all the disinformation is crystal clear: "Scientists and medical professionals who sometimes talk nonsense are hard for me to bear. They can really make me angry because they should know better. The hogwash some people proclaim puts human lives at risk."
The judging panel's decision gave credence to that attitude when it mentioned "his social impact, his clear communication style based on robust scientific knowledge and his characteristic attitude that reduced polarisation in those challenging times".
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Steven Van Gucht: “Sometimes we humans are too pretentious”
He has played an incredibly important role in fighting the corona pandemic and Steven Van Gucht can now claim the title of the very first ‘Ghent University alumnus of the year’.
Catherine De Bolle, first female Alumnus of the Year
The first female Ghent University Alumnus of the Year was Catherine De Bolle in 2023. The Head of Europol is still very much involved in her alma mater now: "Recognition is always nice, and it is even more gratifying when it comes from your own university. I'm very proud of Ghent University, which plays an international role. Our connection is still strong, also because I'm in frequent contact with academics."
That connection is not coincidental, as De Bolle attaches great importance to the role of universities. "We need researchers and academics to cast a critical eye on our security services. Universities can help keep the police up to date on societal changes. They can present new research-based ideas, as we often don't have the time to dwell on certain issues."
The jury also appreciates that Catherine De Bolle was able to break the glass ceiling. This is something she has come to view differently over time: "In the past, I didn't really think about that to be honest, but lately I've come to realise more that it's not so obvious."
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Catherine De Bolle: “Universities can help us keep the police on track”
Catherine De Bolle has earned the right to call herself Ghent University Alumnus of the Year 2023. As the chief of Europol, she sees an important role for universities in the modernisation of the police service.
Marianne De Backer: top leader in international biotech
In 2024, the award went to Marianne De Backer. Her name may sound less familiar to Belgian ears, but make no mistake, Marianne De Backer is one of biotech's torchbearers. She runs Silicon Valley-headquartered Vir Biotechnology. About the recognition the award represents, she says: "I've received some nice awards in my career, but this is my first award in Belgium. And what's more, it's from Ghent University, where I took my first steps in biotech."
De Backer's many achievements were not a given. "My parents didn't like science as an academic choice for a girl. My school also advised me against it, because they thought my near-sightedness would make me unfit to work with a microscope. Their recommendation was to study languages. However, I was very determined and fortunately I did have the support of my science teachers, who were eventually able to convince my parents."
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Marianne De Backer is a heavyweight in the world of biotechnology. Today she is CEO of Vir Biotechnology, a biotech company headquartered in Silicon Valley. She is a champion of women in leadership positions in this still male-dominated industry.
Stefan Hertmans is Alumnus of the year 2025
Writer, essayist and poet Stefan Hertmans was elected Ghent University Alumnus of the year in 2025. He studied Germanic Philology at Ghent University from 1970 to 1974 and completed his PhD in Art there in 2010. His writing has been highly influenced by his time at university.
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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."
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Alumnus of the Year Ellen Moons: "I never expected to be able to announce Nobel Prizes, but it's wonderful"
Ellen Moons studied Physics at Ghent University in the 1980s and built an international career through her research into solar cells. Since 2026, she has been Secretary-General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the first woman since 1739. In this role, she announces the laureates of three Nobel Prizes.
Back to university with Davina Simons: "I have many fond memories of my student days"
Als eerste in haar familie die ging studeren, moest Davina Simons (30) het vooral op eigen krachten doen. In 2019 behaalde ze haar master in de rechten aan de UGent. In geen tijd groeide ze uit tot een van de bekendste strafpleiters van het land en vandaag runt ze haar eigen advocatenkantoor.
Alumni in search for the perfect potato with AI
Barely two years ago, Jarne Bogaert (25) graduated as a civil engineer from Ghent University. Today, he and two fellow students run the Ghent-based AI company Polysense, which helps food companies produce less waste.
Alumnus Serhat: “The best thing you can do is pass on what you have learned to students”
What if, after graduating with a degree in medicine, you chose not to take the safe path, but to venture into the unknown? Ghent University alumnus Serhat Yildirim moved from Ghent to Harvard in the United States with a Fayat scholarship, where he discovered that the world was much bigger than what he had known back home.
