As two ENLIGHT partner universities step into a new academic year, both Ghent University and the University of Galway begin fresh leadership chapters marked by vision, inclusion, and a shared commitment to global collaboration.
Petra De Sutter and Herwig Reynaert form new rectoral team at Ghent University
On 1 October 2025, a new chapter begins for Ghent University: Petra De Sutter takes office as Rector, together with Herwig Reynaert as Vice-rector. The duo was elected on 30 April 2025 with a clear majority in all electoral groups of the university.
Who are the new rector and vice-rector?
- Petra De Sutter is a gynaecologist specialized in reproductive medicine. She holds a PhD in biomedical sciences and has been a long-standing professor at Ghent University. In addition to her academic career, she was active in politics: from 2020 to 2025, she served as Deputy Prime Minister in the Belgian federal government.
- Herwig Reynaert is a professor of political science and chair of the Centre for Local Politics. He has held various academic positions, including dean of the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences.
In the picture above is Petra De Sutter and Herwig Reynaert, who are the new rectoral team at Ghent University, Belgium.
Their vision
The new rectoral team aims to focus on connection, participation, and societal impact. They emphasise the importance of a university that not only excels in education and research but also plays an active role in public debate and makes innovation broadly accessible, both within and beyond Belgium’s borders.
“ Internationalisation is not something we have to do – it is something we have to be. It must be embedded in our identity, in our DNA. Everything we do must be viewed through the lens of internationalisation. Only then can our impact continue to grow worldwide.” — Petra De Sutter, Rector of Ghent University, in her opening speech for the 2025–2026 academic year
What does this mean for ENLIGHT?
Ghent University is an active partner within the ENLIGHT network, which focuses on collaboration between European universities to strengthen education and research. With their international experience and commitment to social responsibility, De Sutter and Reynaert aim to further expand this cooperation. Meanwhile across the sea in Ireland, the University of Galway, another ENLIGHT partner is also welcoming new leadership.
David Burn appointed President of the University of Galway
Professor David Burn has been appointed President of the University of Galway, taking up office in September 2025.
Professor Burn is an internationally recognised clinical academic neurologist specialising in Parkinson’s disease and related conditions and previously served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University in England. During his time in that role, he oversaw significant developments across health and life sciences and led transformative change initiatives to restructure faculty, accelerate research performance, advance equality, diversity and inclusion and drive internationalisation.
Professor Burn is the 14th President of University of Galway, which was established in 1845, and the first from overseas.
At University of Galway, Professor Burn will guide the implementation of the new strategic plan 2025–2030 — Of Galway, For the World — and draw on the strengths of the research pillars. In an address to staff in the first week as President, Professor Burn said:
“I believe we can make University of Galway recognised internationally for excellence in: Creativity, culture and society — building on our heritage, the Irish language and our reputation for human rights research; Sustainability and resilient environments — from marine energy and agritech to climate research; Transformative data and AI — with centres of excellence making real-world impact; Innovation for health — strengthening our MedTech leadership and driving new frontiers in connected healthcare.”
In the picture above is the new Rector of University of Galway - Professor David Burn.
Although born and bred in the northeast of England, Professor Burn has a strong personal connection to Ireland going back more than 35 years, and is no stranger to the nation’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
For his tenure as President, Professor Burn has highlighted internationalisation and the aspiration of recognition of University of Galway as a global top-200 university; strengthening equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives; improving opportunities for students and staff through enhanced education pathways; and deepening collaborations with stakeholders in industry, policy, the regions and the community.
Both universities’ leadership teams share a clear direction — anchoring internationalisation and inclusion at the core of their missions. As partners in ENLIGHT, Ghent University and the University of Galway will continue to shape a stronger, more connected European higher-education landscape.
