RESEARCH TOPICS AND STRATEGIES

Over the course of its 200 year history Ghent University has built up a strong scientific reputation. Ghent University invests both in fundamental, high risk science as in applied research. The university is known for its scientific expertise in life sciences and medicine, materials and agricultural science, veterinary medicine, psychology and history, and many more. This university does not just offer a place to singular research strengths but also encourages multidisciplinary collaboration.

Our top research is built on a solid base: as a result of a bottom-up research policy young researchers are given every opportunity to grow. A deeply rooted quality culture guarantees continuous rejuvenation of research.

Thanks to the excellent performance of its entire research community, for the last ten years Ghent University has been part of the Shanghai Ranking's top 100 - a worldwide ranking primarily based on research indicators.

PhD STUDIES

There are essentially two possibilities to start a PhD at Ghent University. Candidates can either apply for an open PhD position (i.e. a research group is actively looking for a PhD candidate) or the can approach a specific Ghent University professor (i.e. if they themselves have an interesting research proposal and/or research funding).

Interested doctoral candidates can perform doctoral research in all fields of study on offer at Ghent University, as long as the topic enables them to contribute to scientific knowledge.

All applications to start a PhD need the explicit commitment of a Ghent University professor who will act as the PhD supervisor. In any event, the research topic has to be approved by the faculty.

Every PhD candidate automatically becomes a member of one of the Doctoral Schools. These schools coordinate their own Doctoral Training Programme. They also organize various information sessions, create a community feel amongst researchers, and send out a regular newsletter.

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

 Ghent University fosters countless training initiatives that are open to all doctoral researchers. As such, doctoral researchers become members of a research team that provides intensive (individual) support and coaching, with a strong focus on training-on-the-job. Doctoral researchers are also given access to a wide-range of training facilities. The University Library, the TechTransfer Office and the Language Centre are only few of the entities within the university that offer training to doctoral researchers.

Doctoral researchers are also invited to take part in the challenging Ghent University Doctoral Training Programme. This training programme allows for a combination of academic and transferable skills training. Advanced (specialised) courses, transferable skills workshops and high-profile research activities broaden as well as deepen a young researcher’s scientific knowledge and generic skills. Doctoral researchers can tailor their education to their evolving skills and interests, and they are stimulated to discover and develop their talents.

DOCTORAL FUNDING AND OPPORTUNITIES

 There are essentially two ways to secure an income: one can either apply for a vacant position at Ghent University or one can obtain a competitive scholarship with Ghent University as the host institution.An international doctoral candidate may consider applying for a ‘portable’ scholarship in his/her home country. Prospective doctoral researchers can also apply for a research position in, for instance, a research institute (e.g. VIB or ILVO) or archive (e.g.State Archives) and work under the supervision of a Ghent University professor to obtain a doctoral degree. Opportunities are announced on the website of the respective institutes.

More info: https://www.ugent.be/en/research/funding

DOCTORAL RESOURCES (TEMPLATES: THESIS, FUNDING APPLICATION ETC)

 All kinds of tools and other resources can be accessed through https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch

INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS

 Over the course of its 200 year history Ghent University has built up a strong scientific reputation. Ghent University invests both in fundamental, high risk science as in applied research. The university is known for its scientific expertise in life sciences and medicine, materials and agricultural science, veterinary medicine, psychology and history, and many more. This university does not just offer a place to singular research strengths but also encourages multidisciplinary collaboration.