Information and updates on the case of a postdoctoral researcher

27 August 2026 — Contact with the US Ambassador regarding the ongoing case

Ghent University confirms that it has been in contact with the US Ambassador. The Ambassador provided further context regarding his statements on X. Ghent University informed him about the preliminary disciplinary inquiry, the confidentiality of the procedure and the measures that have been taken.

26 August 2026 — Remote work required, teaching duties suspended amid ongoing personnel case

As part of an ongoing personnel case, Ghent University has imposed a disciplinary measure on a member of its research staff for a period of three months. A preliminary inquiry is also under way to determine if further disciplinary action is warranted.

Under the disciplinary measure, the staff member is required to work remotely and may not carry out any teaching activities. In addition, any research activities undertaken as part of the staff member's appointment at Ghent University must be strictly limited to the research topics for which the appointment was made.

Ghent University does not wish to comment further on the controversy surrounding this matter. This is not because the University wishes to avoid public debate, but because ongoing preliminary disciplinary inquiries must be allowed to proceed calmly, independently and with full respect for the rights of all those involved. It would be inconsistent to safeguard the confidentiality of these procedures on the one hand while, on the other, commenting through the media in a way that could pre-empt the investigation, the positions of the parties involved or its possible outcome.

All parties concerned will have the opportunity, through the appropriate procedures, to set out their position and exercise their right of defence. Ghent University will therefore limit itself to confirming the disciplinary measure and the fact that investigations are ongoing, and will await their outcome.

20 August 2026 — Launch of a preliminary disciplinary investigation

On 20 August 2026, Ghent University formally notified the staff member concerned of the launch of a preliminary disciplinary investigation. As part of this process, the university is assessing whether there are sufficient grounds to refer the case to the competent disciplinary body for further consideration.

Pending this preliminary investigation, Ghent University has suspended the staff member as a precautionary measure. The university cannot comment further on the specific details of the disciplinary case or the underlying arguments, in order to safeguard the confidentiality of the personnel file and the disciplinary proceedings.

19 August 2026 — Statement on respect for human dignity and opposition to discrimination

We are aware of the questions and concerns surrounding this matter and understand that it has affected many people. We wish to clarify how the university is handling this situation. First and foremost, Ghent University is shocked by the death of Professor Arday. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and students. His death has also hit our own academic community hard.

At the same time, we wish to be clear about the values we uphold as a university. Ghent University stands for respect for human dignity and opposes discrimination, hatred and racism. We attach great importance to academic freedom and to open academic debate, even when views are controversial. However, that freedom is not unlimited: it goes hand in hand with responsibility and may be restricted in order to protect the rights of others.

For this reason, the university takes the recent public statements made by a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University regarding this matter very seriously. Ghent University has decided to take appropriate action within its powers and the applicable framework. We do not wish to pre-empt any potential decisions at this stage, in order to maintain objectivity. It is important to be transparent, whilst also respecting the confidentiality inherent in a personnel file.

The death of Professor Arday should prompt reflection. We hope that lessons will be learnt from what has happened regarding the way we treat one another both within and outside the academic world, particularly when people become the subject of public controversy.

Petra De Sutter, Rector
Herwig Reynaert, Vice-Rector