Ghent University welcomes International Francqui Professor Roland Greene
(05-03-2026) On 4 March, Ghent University welcomed Professor Roland Greene (Stanford University) for his inaugural lecture as International Francqui Professor.
During the ceremony in the Belvedere Hall of the Book Tower, Rector Petra De Sutter presented him with the Grand Medal of Ghent University.
Each year, the Francqui Chair brings internationally renowned scholars to Belgium to stimulate academic exchange and collaboration. Professor Greene is a leading expert in Renaissance literature and comparative literature and is the director of the Stanford Humanities Center.
In his lecture, “Literary Studies After Universalism: A History and a Manifesto,” Greene reflected on the evolution of the idea of universality in literature and the role of literary studies in contemporary society.
“It is an honour to welcome Professor Greene to Ghent University. The Francqui Chair offers a unique opportunity to bring top international scholars to Belgium and thereby stimulate new ideas, collaboration, and academic exchange,” says Rector Petra De Sutter.
During his stay, Greene will collaborate with researchers and doctoral students and will give several Classes of Excellence at Belgian universities.