ResearchDiscover the research activities at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University. Learn about our areas of expertise, research facilities, and partnerships with industry and academia.
Research
About research at the faculty
At Ghent University's Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, research is more than just a pursuit—it's a passion that drives our mission to address global challenges and advance scientific knowledge. Our faculty is renowned for its leadership in Agriculture & Forestry, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Chemical Engineering, as reflected in the top 50 and top 100 rankings in the QS World University Ranking. Explore our faculty's publications and learn more about our research and initiatives.
Behind these achievements lies a vibrant community of scholars, researchers, and innovators dedicated to making a difference. With over 1200 researchers and a diverse array of research initiatives, we are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
Our Research Community: A Hub of Innovation
The Faculty of Bioscience Engineering is a dynamic ecosystem where groundbreaking ideas are born and nurtured. Our research spans eight departments, each hosting specialized research groups equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure. These groups tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from sustainable agriculture to environmental preservation and beyond.
We are incredibly proud of our professors, whose work has earned them a place among the world's top researchers. A remarkable 33% of our professors were recently recognized in Stanford University’s prestigious World's Top 2% Scientists list, celebrating their significant contributions to science and the global impact of our research.
With 806 Ph.D. students engaged in a wide range of research projects, our faculty is a thriving center for academic and scientific growth.
Our Ph.D. students are integral to our research community, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy to our ongoing projects. They are the future leaders in science, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
The Faculty Research Support Office: Your Partner in Research Success
Behind every successful research endeavor is a network of support, and at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, that support comes from our dedicated Faculty Research Support Office. Our office plays a crucial role in guiding researchers through the complexities of the research process.
The Faculty Research Support Office is more than just an administrative body; it's a partner in your research journey. We are here to help researchers at every stage, offering a wide range of services designed to maximize research impact and foster professional growth through our comprehensive support services:
Research Mobility
We recognize that global collaboration is essential, and we dedicate substantial time and resources to supporting it. Each year, our team carefully manages over 200 mobility support applications, a process that demands a significant portion of our available time. From initial inquiries to final approvals, we meticulously review each application and handle all related questions, ensuring that our researchers have the support needed to engage meaningfully with the international scientific community.
High-impact, accessible publications are a priority for our faculty. We provide essential resources to help researchers publish their work in leading journals, with a focus on supporting open access options to ensure their research is accessible to all. Over the last five years (2019–2023), our faculty has produced over 7,068 publications, with 2.45% of these ranking in the top 1% and 16.36% in the top 10% of their respective fields. This impressive publication record, combined with a strong citation impact, reflects our commitment to advancing knowledge that can be widely shared and freely accessed.
For our professorial staff, we encourage deep reflection and advancement by offering sabbatical support, allowing them to step back from their regular duties to focus on research.
Working closely with the Scientific Research Commission, we help shape and implement key policies that ensure our research practices meet the highest standards.
We create strategic partnerships that enhance research outcomes and bring innovative solutions to the market. This commitment is reflected in the substantial and growing research funding our faculty secures each year, as shown in the graph below. Our funding sources include national grants, international funding, and collaborative efforts with industry partners, demonstrating the strength and breadth of our research collaborations.
Keeping our research community informed is crucial. Our regular newsletter disseminates valuable information about the latest research opportunities, funding calls, and academic developments. We also coordinate prestigious calls, such as Francqui opportunities, and manage the selection of honorary doctors to recognize outstanding contributions to science.
The Research Support Office works closely with researchers and other faculty teams to ensure that operational excellence underpins every research initiative. We are committed to supporting our faculty's vision of research that not only excels academically but also has a profound impact on society.
