Speech by Rector Rik Van de Walle at opening academic year 2025-2026

Dear guests
Colleagues, students
Dear Ghent University residents

Prelude

Welcome to the opening of our academic year. Welcome here at the UFO.
You are here in large numbers. That is a pleasure.

This is my last speech as Rector of Ghent University. A fitting moment to reflect on the past eight years. A fitting moment, too, to share with you a sense of gratitude and pride.

Because yes, I am proud of what we have all achieved together in recent years, and I dare say that we have moved a lot.

On core tasks as a driving force

Eight years ago, I was a candidate for the position of rector because, together with candidate vice-rector Mieke Van Herreweghe, I wanted to give the university back to Ghent University's people, with a clear focus on our core tasks: scientific research, academic education, and creating societal impact.

Based on trust coupled with responsibility. With, besides trust, also room for doubt and nuance.

Neither rectors, vice-rectors, nor other policymakers form the core of a university. It is our researchers, lecturers, and students who are by far the most important stakeholders. It was a privilege to serve them as rector.

Not only within the walls of academia but also in the public debate, I have consistently placed our core tasks at the center. Countless times I referred to the principles of the Magna Charta Universitatum: academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the inextricable and necessary intertwining of university education and scientific research. This focus on our core tasks and on a number of fundamental principles – I sometimes call the Magna Charta Universitatum the constitution on which the operation of universities should be based – has led, among other things, to new career models at our university and the allocation of core research funding.

Is this policy "finished," in the sense that the decisions taken are perfect? ​​No. Do they need to be monitored and adjusted where necessary? Yes. At the same time, I urge against overmonitoring. Policy must be given time to bear fruit; its success or shortcomings cannot usually be meaningfully assessed after just one or two years.

Above all, I urge the continued defense of (i) the crucial link between university education and scientific research; (ii) institutional autonomy; and (iii) academic freedom. Intra muros and extra muros. Always and everywhere. Against anyone or anything. Unequivocally.

About UGent Verbeeldt 2050

From the focus on our core tasks, the long-term vision and associated plans, now known as 'UGent Verbeeldt 2050', also grew. With this, our university is building its future, both literally and figuratively.

With 'Ghent University Imagined', we have created a compass that can and will provide direction for many years to come. I am proud of this too. And grateful for the efforts of so many Ghent University employees who have put their shoulders to the wheel and will continue to do so, in the university services and faculties.

About Student Housing

Following this, I would like to connect with our master plan for student housing. In recent years, Ghent University has strived for more high-quality and affordable housing for students. This hasn't stopped at just striving; we have effectively created a wider range of housing options.

For a society like ours, it is essential that talented young people find their way to university and dare to pursue it. They must be given the necessary opportunities and space to do so, both literally and figuratively.

On ambassadorship

In recent years, as rector, I've gotten to know many Flemish, federal, and international institutions better. Ideas were exchanged and confronted at various levels. Ghent University was able to contribute to—and often influence—the development of education and research policy at home and abroad.

When I address recent PhD graduates during graduation ceremonies, I always emphasize the importance of ambassadorship. I explicitly ask them to be ambassadors for our university.

When asked in recent years what my job as rector of Ghent University actually entailed, I've often replied that I consider myself, first and foremost, an ambassador. Not just for Ghent University, but for academia in general, which includes all universities, university colleges, research centers, and other knowledge institutions.

I did indeed often refer to "academia in general." In doing so, I did not minimize the importance of Ghent University, nor the importance I personally attach to it. I did, and still do, wish to indicate that the importance of the academy, and the roles it must assume, transcend the particular interests and roles of Ghent University. That is precisely why I consider it important to serve the academy in general.

I am happy that I will remain part of the academy even after my rectorship of Ghent University. I will also strive to be an ambassador in new roles and contexts.

Passing the torch

Anyone who knows me even a little knows that I very much enjoyed being rector of Ghent University. I would also be happy to be a former rector of our university.

Dear guests, over the past eight years, I — we — have traveled quite a journey. It led us to predetermined destinations and to destinations we initially hadn't even suspected existed. Sometimes we found ourselves in a dark forest. Sometimes the right path was lost.

But after eight years here and now, I look back on that journey with pride and gratitude. To those who were very close to me (almost) every day during that journey, on good days and bad, I owe special thanks. Let me express that gratitude clearly and concisely here.

It is time to pass the torch. To conclude. I do so by wishing Ghent University and all of you a successful academic year and a bright future.

All the best.

Rik Van de Walle
Ghent, September 19, 2025