Eleven deans ready for a new policy term at Ghent University

Some deans will be taking up the mandate for the first time, while others will continue their work in a new term. Together, they aim to strengthen education, foster innovative research and further develop a university that is firmly embedded in society. Below, we briefly introduce them.

Faculty of Arts and Philosophy: Gita Deneckere

Prof. Gita Deneckere is Full Professor at the Department of History and has served as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy since 2018. As a historian, she specialises in modern and contemporary history, with a particular focus on social movements and the tensions between power and emancipation.

Gita Deneckere is known as an engaged historian who combines academic depth with a vivid and narrative writing style. The societal relevance of the humanities is a key priority in both her work and policy.

Faculty of Law and Criminology: Tom Vander Beken

Prof. Tom Vander Beken is a lawyer and criminologist, making him the first dean of the Faculty of Law and Criminology with this dual background. Since 2000, he has been teaching in both programmes.

His research focuses on criminal law, criminal justice policy and vulnerable groups within the criminal justice system. He also heads the Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP). Over the past three years, he served as the faculty’s academic secretary.

In both his research and his work, he builds bridges between law and criminology and strongly promotes collaboration, both within and beyond the university. As dean, he aims to continue this approach, with particular attention to connectedness, communication, collaboration and transparency.

Faculty of Sciences: Isabel Van Driessche

Prof. Isabel Van Driessche has been elected for a third term as dean of the Faculty of Sciences. Since 2018, she has set a clear and ambitious course for the faculty.

She strongly focuses on prestigious research funding, such as ERC and Odysseus grants, to attract and support outstanding international research talent. In addition, she guided important internal changes that improved efficiency, accelerated digitalisation and modernised the faculty administration.

Faculty of Engineering and Architecture: Filip De Turck

Prof. Filip De Turck is Full Professor of telecommunication software engineering. After studying engineering and obtaining a PhD at Ghent University, he completed a research stay at Columbia University in New York. Since 2017, he has served as the faculty’s academic secretary.

His research focuses on computer networks and digital technologies, in collaboration with international academic and industrial partners. He also enjoys international recognition in his field as an IEEE Fellow and former Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management.

As dean, he aims to focus on high-quality education, excellent research and strong collaboration between students, staff and external partners, with particular attention to wellbeing, open communication and sustainable work practices.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences: Piet Hoebeke

Prof. Piet Hoebeke is Full Professor of urology at Ghent University and affiliated with UZ Gent. He specialises in paediatric urology and urogenital reconstruction, with a focus on congenital conditions. Since 2016, he has served as dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

In addition to his clinical and academic work, he is a frequently consulted expert in the media and public debate, where he contributes to breaking taboos surrounding gender and sexuality. He is the author of several books and strongly committed to science communication and societal dialogue.

Faculty of Economics and Business Administration: Paul Gemmel

Prof. Paul Gemmel is Full Professor and has been dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration since October 2023.

In his research and teaching, he combines service management and operations management, with particular attention to the relationship between the design of service systems and customer experience, especially within healthcare. He has also applied his expertise as department chair, programme director and board member of several healthcare organisations.

As dean, he aims to continue working with staff, students and other stakeholders on implementing a strategic policy plan for the coming academic years.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: Ann Martens

Prof. Ann Martens is a full professor and specialist in equine surgery.

Her research focuses, among other things, on the treatment of equine tumors, minimally invasive surgery in horses, and regenerative medicine for tendon and joint disorders. She is also internationally recognized in the field of equine medicine.

As dean, she aims to prioritize high-quality education, strong scientific research, and a sustainable future for veterinary medicine, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and animal welfare.

Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences: Ann Buysse

Prof. Ann Buysse is Full Professor of clinical psychology and has served as dean of the faculty since 2018. Her research focuses on relationships between people: how individuals influence one another, create meaning and build connections, but also how these processes can break down.

She is particularly fascinated by families and family relationships. In her work, she collaborates interdisciplinarily with researchers from educational sciences, family law, sexology, bioethics, sociology and medicine, among others. In doing so, she combines fundamental research with societal valorisation and impact.

She is also active in several advisory boards and committees, served for many years as chair of the non-profit organisation Sensoa, and is involved in organisations such as vzw Stappen and De Cocon. As dean, she wants to foster a warm, inclusive and socially engaged faculty.

Faculty of Bioscience Engineering: Els Van Damme

Prof. Els Van Damme has been the first female dean of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering since 2022. Within the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Glycobiology, she studies how plant growth and stress tolerance can be strengthened under changing environmental conditions.

During her first term, she strongly focused on open communication and creating a safe and healthy work environment together with and for all staff groups within the faculty. In the coming years, she aims to continue building collaboration based on a shared vision for the future, with particular attention to high-quality education, groundbreaking research and socially impactful services.

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Tom Coenye

Prof. Tom Coenye is a microbiologist and head of the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology. His research focuses on biofilms, antimicrobial resistance and innovative strategies to combat infections.

He studies the molecular mechanisms behind biofilm-related resistance and translates this knowledge into new diagnostic methods, susceptibility testing and treatment strategies. Through this work, he has built a strong international reputation in biofilm research. In 2012, students voted him Ghent Uiversity’s “Wijste Prof”.

As dean, he aims to focus on high-quality, feasible and future-oriented education, a staff policy driven by educational needs, and a long-term vision for pharmaceutical research at Ghent University.

Faculty of Political and Social Sciences: Sami Zemni

Prof. Sami Zemni is a political scientist affiliated with the Department of Conflict and Development Studies. He leads the Middle East and North Africa Research Group.

He specialises in the political dynamics of the Middle East and North Africa, with a focus on democratisation, conflict, and the role of Islam and political Islam. Based on this expertise, he has become a frequently consulted voice in public debates on migration, integration, racism and Islamophobia.

As dean, he aims to focus in the coming years on developing a new long-term vision and mission for the faculty. He also wants to safeguard the quality of education and create the right conditions for high-quality, innovative and socially relevant research. Finally, he aims to lead the faculty with attention to workload, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.