Centre for Sustainability Studies (CDO)

PhD vacancies in the SBO project RESHAPE

(10-07-2026) We are looking for PhD researchers who would like to join the SBO-funded project RESHAPE – Destigmatising social housing through socio-ecological regeneration: leveraging the upcoming renovation wave for just housing transitions.

RESHAPE is a participatory action research project carried out in collaboration with residents of four large post-war social housing neighbourhoods in Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven, and Genk, as well as social housing providers and other urban stakeholders. The project investigates how the upcoming wave of social housing renovations can not only contribute to the transition towards climate-friendly neighbourhoods, but also help reduce the stigma associated with social housing. By envisioning alternative futures and co-designing and implementing scenarios for socio-ecological regeneration, building on existing destigmatising initiatives in social housing neighbourhoods, RESHAPE aims to open up new futures for social housing in Flanders.

  • The vacancy for a PhD researcher at Ghent University (CDO / Stadsacademie) is currently open. The application deadline is 22 September 2026. The focus of this doctoral research is on identifying institutional lock-ins within decision-making processes related to social housing and exploring alternative governance models. Building on analyses of existing dominant practices in Flemish cities, inspiring international examples and insights generated in the other RESHAPE work packages, an innovative approach will be developed and tested within relevant decision-making processes, with the aim of supporting the socio-ecological transition of social housing. Promotor is prof. Thomas Block. All information can be found on this UGent website.

Information on the three other vacancies: