Vice-Rector
Professor Herwig Reynaert, Vice-Rector at Ghent University since October 2025, combines academic leadership with a strong social commitment. His career reflects a passion for politics, sport, culture and education.
Academic role and research
As a full professor, Herwig Reynaert is affiliated with the Political Science department of the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences. He is also honorary chair of the Centre for Local Politics.
Before becoming vice-rector, Herwig Reynaert's teaching duties included courses on local and Belgian politics. He is also the promoter of the chair “The Future of Sport”. As a researcher, he has published numerous books and dozens of scientific articles and chapters.
Social engagement
As a socially engaged political scientist, Vice-Rector Reynaert regularly writes columns and opinion pieces. He also gives lectures to a wide audience and often appears as an expert in the media.
Administrative positions
From 2009 to 2025, Professor Reynaert was Dean of the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences. He also held various other administrative positions within the university:
- Faculty mediator (1998-2004)
- Chair of the Political Science Programme Committee (2002-2006)
- Academic Secretary (2004-2008)
- Director of Education (2006-2009)
- Member of the Board of Directors (2011-2012)
Research interests: sport and history
His passion for sport and World War I resulted in two remarkable books, which he wrote together with Bart Vangrysperre:
- 'Olympians in Flanders Fields'
- “Olympic Winners. The Antwerp Games in 1920”
Cultural projects
The research into Olympians during the First World War grew into a multidisciplinary project. Together with musician Wannes Cappelle and the Royal Harmony Ypriana, an exhibition and a music project came to life around “Olympians in Flanders Fields”. Herwig Reynaert regularly performs as a narrator with Wannes Cappelle and Ypriana. They have been guests at De Bijloke (Ghent) and the Stadsschouwburg (Bruges), among other venues.
Sport and music
Sport plays a central role in Herwig Reynaert's life. As a youngster, he played volleyball at Rembert Torhout and athletics at Houtland AC. Until the age of 40, he played football in various competitions: mini football (UGent staff competition), indoor football in Lichtervelde and outdoor football at two clubs in Torhout. He is currently active as a runner with the Roadrunners Torhout.
In addition to sport, Herwig Reynaert has a great love of music. He has played the horn in various music ensembles.
The Vice-Rector, together with Rector Petra De Sutter, is at the helm of Ghent University.
Contact
Vice-Rector's Office
Campus Ufo, Rectorate
Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25
T +32 (0)9 264 30 14
vicerector@ugent.be