Eleven deans ready for a new policy term at Ghent University
Recently, dean elections took place at Ghent University. Starting from the new academic year, the newly elected deans will lead their faculties for the coming years. Some deans are taking up the mandate for the first time, while others are continuing their work for a new term. Together, they aim to build strong education, innovative research, and a university that is at the heart of society. Below, we are pleased to briefly introduce them.
Faculty of Arts and Philosophy: Gita Deneckere
Prof. Gita Deneckere is a full professor in the Department of History and has been Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy since 2018. As a historian, she specializes in modern and contemporary history, with a particular focus on social movements and the tension between power and emancipation.
Gita Deneckere is known as a committed historian who combines scholarly depth with a vivid, narrative writing style. The societal importance of the humanities forms a key focal point in her work and policy.
Faculty of Law and Criminology: Tom Vander Beken
Prof. Tom Vander Beken is a jurist and criminologist, making him the first Dean of the Faculty of Law and Criminology with this dual background. He has been teaching in both disciplines since 2000.
His research focuses on criminal law, criminal policy, and vulnerable groups within the criminal justice system. Additionally, he leads the Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP). For the past three years, he served as the faculty's academic secretary.
In his research and work, he builds bridges between law and criminology and places a strong emphasis on collaboration, both within and outside the university. As Dean, he intends to continue this line, with particular attention to connectedness, communication, cooperation, and transparency.
Faculty of Science: Isabel Van Driessche
Prof. Isabel Van Driessche has been elected for a third term as Dean of the Faculty of Science. Since 2018, she has set a clear and ambitious course for the faculty. In doing so, she focuses strongly on prestigious research funding, such as ERC and Odysseus grants, to attract and support new top international research talent. Additionally, she oversaw significant internal changes that made processes more efficient, accelerated digitization, and modernized the faculty administration.
Faculty of Engineering and Architecture: Filip De Turck
Prof. Filip De Turck is a full professor of telecommunications software. After studying civil engineering and obtaining a PhD at Ghent University, he completed a research residency at Columbia University in New York. He has been the faculty's academic secretary since 2017.
His research focuses on computer networks and digital technologies, in collaboration with international academic and industrial partners. Furthermore, he enjoys international recognition within his field as an IEEE Fellow and former Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management.
As Dean, he aims to focus on high-quality education, excellent research, and strong collaboration between students, staff, and external partners, with particular attention to well-being, open communication, and workability.
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences: Piet Hoebeke
Prof. Piet Hoebeke is a full professor of urology at Ghent University and affiliated with Ghent University Hospital. He specializes in pediatric urology and urogenital reconstruction, with a focus on congenital disorders. He has been Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences since 2016.
In addition to his clinical and academic work, he is a sought-after expert in media and public debate, where he contributes to breaking taboos surrounding gender and sexuality. He is the author of several books and places a strong emphasis on science communication and societal dialogue.
Faculty of Economics and Business: Paul Gemmel
Prof. Paul Gemmel is a full professor and has been Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business since October 2023.
In his research and teaching, he combines service management and operational management, with particular attention to the relationship between service system design and customer experience, especially within healthcare. He also applied his expertise as head of department, chair of program, and director of various healthcare organizations.
As dean, he wants to continue working with staff, students, and other stakeholders on the implementation of a strategic policy plan for the coming academic years.
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: Ann Martens
Prof. Ann Martens is a full professor and specialist in equine surgery.
Her research focuses, among other things, on the treatment of equine tumors, minimally invasive surgery in horses, and regenerative medicine for tendon and joint disorders. Additionally, she enjoys international recognition within the pa
