Although University College Ghent already had a strong research tradition in some areas and boasted a number of research groups of international excellence, the Bologna declaration and the academisation process* increases the need for education embedded in a strong research environment, both qualitative and quantitative.
Not only is the number of researchers at the University College Ghent increasing, the link with Ghent University in terms of research is also strengthened through the Ghent University Association which both institutions are members of.
In order to ensure the quality of research and the efficient allocation of the internal financial means for research, an internal Research Fund was created. This fund allows a coherent research policy independent of the external funding that is granted to our researchers. At the same time a Research Council was set up consisting of active researchers representing the different faculties of the University College Ghent and representatives from the research council of Ghent University. This council advises the management of the institution on the Research Fund’s allocation, follows up on the academisation process*, stimulates research in the professional bachelor faculties, stimulates the coherence of the ongoing research, …
The valorisation of research by patenting, spin-offs, … grows in importance and is certainly a challenge for the future.
*Academisation process: upgrading of curricula and course programmes in order to meet generally accepted academic standards as set by international accreditation and quality assurance bodies.
Download article Belgian Research in Europe (July 2007): page 1, page 2
Download article Belgian Research in Europe (November 2008) : page 1, page 2