University of Ghent

In student numbers as well as in research impact, Ghent University is one of the fastest growing institutions of Higher Education in Europe. The university?s various campuses in and around the city firmly embed university life within the vibrant city culture. The city of Ghent is unique in Belgium in its balanced combination of a picturesque historical city centre, vibrant business developments and a dynamic university. Needless to say, various research departments in the university cooperate with social and industrial organizations in the region. Its motto ?Sapere aude? or ?dare to think? is the driving force behind the university?s aspirations in education as well as research.

In 2007, Ghent University attracted over 29,500 students, with a foreign population of nearly 2700 EU and non-EU citizens. Through its 11 faculties and 5 Doctoral Schools, Ghent University offers a broad range of study programmes in all academic and scientific branches. A number of English-language master programmes, as well as a wide range of Ph.D. programmes, have been designed especially to attract internationally mobile students and researchers. For example, the University has recently been praised as one of the ?success stories? of the Erasmus Exchange programme, and is now engaged in three new Erasmus Mundus International Cooperation Window programmes.

With a view to cooperation in research and community service, numerous research groups, centres and institutes have been founded over the years. A new spearhead policy in research is aiming towards interdisciplinary collaboration and top-level achievements in a number of selected fields. International cooperation strategies are matching these ambitions. Ghent university now ranks within the top-100 on indicators measuring research productivity and quality. Also the Shanghai Ranking has recognized Ghent University?s research profile as the best in Belgium.

Highly ambitious, but constantly focused on quality, Ghent University aims to add force to the achievements of some of its well-know academics such as Heymans (Nobel prize for Medicine), Baekeland (inventor of Bakelite), Van Montagu, Schell and Fiers (founders of biotechnology) and has recently attracted high-potential international academics in a range of fields. Providing a pleasant work environment and interesting career opportunities are high on the agenda. The university was awarded 6th place by the readers of The Scientist in their most recent list of best places to work in academia outside the US.

While Ghent University aims to attract excellent students and researchers, participation from students from disadvantaged backgrounds and regions is actively promoted through a range of bursaries, scholarships and development cooperation programmes. Next to excellent student facilities, the university is proud of its distinctive and extensive library collection, which made the Ghent University Library one of the chosen partners in the Google Books Library Project.