Ghent University pioneers with non-competitive basic funding for professors

Ghent University is taking another step in the transition from quantitative to qualitative research evaluation: professors engaged in research will be awarded non-competitive funding. The amount of this basic funding will be an amount that will allow two researchers to fund a doctoral grant t ogether. This research policy, which was given the green light by the board of governors on 7 July 2023, will take effect from 2024. With this policy choice, Ghent University strengthens the foundations of its holistic approach to research evaluation and confirms its pioneering role in research funding and HR policy. In our country, Ghent University is the first university to structurally award substantial research grants to its professors. An estimated 1,100 Ghent University professors will be awarded the funding. Rector Rik Van de Walle: "Research funding is often embedded in a competitive system.