Last Friday, we kicked off the new year together at the annual New Year’s Gathering. Topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability took centre stage alongside the University Fund. And possibly the most important question: who are the winners of the quiz?
Céline Kuysters (FBE) talked to Rector Herwig Leirs about his new year resolutions and the uncertainties 2026 holds. This included how the university must remain agile and flexible in a rapidly changing world. With the Future Builders Project, the university is today already taking practical steps towards the future.
The benefits and challenges of AI
In 2025, the AI Info Centre was launched. AI Officer Koen Pepermans shared his insights on the opportunities and challenges of AI. That gave us the ideal opportunity to gauge how colleagues are already integrating AI into their daily working lives.
Sustainability
In 2026, sustainability remains a key focus for the university. Wondering how we’re currently doing in this area? Watch the video below.
The university as a charitable cause
During the New Year’s Gathering, Eline Joukes, coordinator of the University Fund highlighted how important it is to better position the university as a charitable cause. Both large and small donations can truly make a difference to our research, our education and our students. In this Pintra blog, you can read more about the University Fund’s new strategy and action platform. Will you help make a difference?
Quiz winners
The official part of the reception ended with a quiz on the events of 2025. As many as 25 colleagues got a perfect score of 10 out of 10. Congratulations! Keep an eye on your inbox for your prize.
All winners: Fadima Aroua, Moira Breëns, Viona Daelemans, Wimme De Gendt, Maddie De Pauw, Jana De Ridder, Miep Demuynck, Margot Desmet, Bart Goethals, Lukas Hageneder, Marie Ham, Jasmien Hoefkens, Natacha Hoevenaegel, Philippe Joye, Abdelkader Kasmi, Stijn Lambregts, Elin Mariën, Fatemeh Mirzadeh Sarcheshmeh, Charlotte Peeters, Luna Van Suetendael, Pauline Vande Wiele, Maarten Vanermen, Kathleen Vercauteren, Jona Verstraelen and Lise Wouters.
Couldn’t attend or want to relive the events in the aula? Then click here. Be sure to take a look at the photo album and spot yourself and your colleagues.
