What Does Ghent University Do?

Total employees10865
HeadquartersGhent
Founded1817

Ghent University (UGent) is one of Belgium's largest universities, founded in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands. It is a pluralistic, socially committed, and publicly funded research institution with a strong international presence. UGent offers a wide array of study programs across its 11 faculties, from humanities and social sciences to engineering, medicine, and life sciences. Known for its academic rigor, innovative research, and commitment to societal advancement, Ghent University consistently ranks among the top global universities and is a vital cultural and intellectual hub in the city of Ghent and the Flanders region.

Where Is Ghent University's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The Rectorate building serves as the primary administrative center for Ghent University, housing the offices of the Rector, Vice-Rector, central administration services, and key governance bodies. It is the operational and symbolic core of the university's leadership.

Notable Features:

The main administrative building, the Rectorate, is located at Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25. A highly iconic university structure is the nearby Aula Academica (Voldersstraat 9), a neoclassical building with a distinctive portico and dome, used for ceremonial events. The university's presence in the city center includes many historically significant buildings, often blended with modern facilities, reflecting its long heritage and progressive outlook.

Work Culture:

The work culture at Ghent University, including its central administration, is characterized by academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and an international orientation. Administrative functions at the Rectorate focus on supporting the university's educational and research missions, involving strategic planning, governance, and operational management within a public sector framework.

HQ Significance:

The Rectorate and the historic city campus buildings symbolize Ghent University's enduring legacy, its commitment to academic freedom and critical inquiry, and its central role in the educational and scientific landscape of Belgium and Europe.

Values Reflected in HQ: The architectural blend of historic preservation and modern design across its campuses, including the central administrative areas, reflects Ghent University's values: respect for tradition, pursuit of innovation, openness, and a commitment to serving society through education and research.

Location:

Ghent University maintains a strong global presence through extensive international student and staff mobility programs (e.g., Erasmus+), numerous bilateral agreements with universities worldwide, and active participation in international research networks and consortia. It conducts joint PhD programs, development cooperation projects, and operates an international campus in South Korea (Ghent University Global Campus). The university attracts a large number of international students and researchers, contributing to a vibrant multicultural academic environment.

Street Address:

Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25

City:

Ghent

State/Province:

East Flanders

Country:

Belgium

Where Else Does Ghent University Operate Around the World?

Incheon, South Korea

Address: Songdomunhwa-Ro, 119 Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21985, South Korea

To provide Ghent University's high-quality STEM education in an international setting, foster academic partnerships in Asia, and attract students from the region and beyond.

Kortrijk, West Flanders, Belgium

Address: UGent Campus Kortrijk, Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium (main address for several departments)

To offer specialized higher education and conduct applied research relevant to the technological and industrial needs of the West Flanders region, promoting innovation and regional development.

Ostend, West Flanders, Belgium

Address: UGent Campus Ostend, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Oostende, Belgium (GreenBridge incubator and research facilities)

To spearhead research and innovation in the 'Blue Economy,' contribute to sustainable development of coastal regions, and provide specialized education in marine and environmental technologies.

Buying Intent Signals for Ghent University

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
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*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Ghent University? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Ghent University' leadership includes:

Prof. dr. Rik Van de Walle - Rector
Prof. dr. Mieke Van Herreweghe - Vice-Rector
Jeroen Vanden Berghe - Chief Administrator (Algemeen Beheerder)

Who's Investing in Ghent University?

Ghent University has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Flemish Government (Government of Flanders)
European Union (e.g., Horizon Europe, ERC grants)
Research Foundation Flanders (FWO)
Special Research Fund (BOF - Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds)
Industrial Research Fund (IOF - Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds)
Tuition Fees
Private Donations and Corporate Partnerships

What Leadership Changes Has Ghent University Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits0

Leadership at the Rectorate level (Rector and Vice-Rector) of Ghent University has been stable. The current Rector, Prof. dr. Rik Van de Walle, and Vice-Rector, Prof. dr. Mieke Van Herreweghe, began their second four-year term on October 1, 2021, running until 2025. No major changes at this highest executive level have been announced in the last 12 months. Changes at the Dean or Director level for specific faculties or administrative departments may occur as part of regular rotations or appointments but are not centrally aggregated as 'executive' exits/hires for this general overview.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byGhent University?

Discover the tools Ghent University uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Ghent University Email Formats and Examples

Ghent University primarily uses an email format combining an individual's first name and last name, separated by a dot, followed by '@ugent.be'. Variations may exist for specific roles, departments, or services.

firstname.lastname@ugent.be

Format

jane.doe@ugent.be

Example

90%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Ghent University?

The Brussels TimesApril 10, 2024

Ghent University excels in multiple subjects in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Ghent University has been recognized as the top Belgian institution in six academic disciplines in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject. It ranked 17th globally for Agriculture & Forestry, 20th for Veterinary Science, 34th for Archaeology, 40th for Environmental Sciences, 41st for Development Studies, and 48th for Sports-related Subjects....more

Ghent University NewsFebruary 27, 2024

Ghent University: AI helps unravel the dark matter of the genome

Researchers at Ghent University and VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) are utilizing artificial intelligence to gain a deeper understanding of 'junk DNA'—the non-coding regions of the human genome. This research aims to uncover the functions of these regions and could lead to new insights into various diseases....more

Ghent University NewsDecember 5, 2023

Ghent University climbs in QS Sustainability Ranking 2024

Ghent University has significantly improved its standing in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024. The university now ranks 69th globally and holds the 1st position in Belgium, underscoring its strong commitment to environmental stewardship and social impact....more

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