The recent leadership change at Ghent University has caught the attention of Belgium’s academic and tech communities. On 2025-06-26 23:29:00, Petra De Sutter was elected as the new rector, decisively winning over incumbent Rik Van de Walle. This marks a significant shift in the university’s direction, with De Sutter’s victory coming in the first round and across all voting groups.
- UGent elects Petra De Sutter rector decisively
- Rik Van de Walle seeks third rector term
- Van de Walle shifts focus to AI innovation
- He joins Tech Lane Ghent Science Park
- Van de Walle advances AI research at IDLab
- The Brain project aims to boost AI hub
While Van de Walle sought a historic third term after eight years, his defeat has led to a new chapter in his career. Instead of continuing in administration, Van de Walle will now focus on innovation and technology at Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, a hub known for its cutting-edge research and international collaborations.
What does this mean for Ghent’s future in artificial intelligence and scientific development? Let’s explore the implications of these changes and how they align with Belgium’s ambitions in tech and education.
Why did Van de Walle step down despite his experience? And how will his new role impact Belgium’s position in AI? His transition highlights several key points:
- Return to his engineering roots at UGent’s IDLab, fostering AI research and startups.
- Contribution to The Brain project, aiming to establish Ghent as a European AI Tech Hub.
- Focus on internationalisation and expanding networks, leveraging his global expertise.
- De Sutter’s election reflects a desire for change and diverse leadership within the university.
As Ghent University embarks on this new era, will De Sutter’s vision and Van de Walle’s tech leadership propel Belgium to the forefront of AI innovation? Stakeholders and students alike should watch closely and engage with these evolving opportunities.
