Ghent University seeks guest professor for Bicycle chair

At the request of Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters, a new Bicycle Chair will be installed at Ghent University from December 1, with financial and substantive support from the Flemish government.

Experts who want to contribute to cycling policy in Flanders with their academic work can apply for the vacancy of part-time guest professor. With the new chair, the Flemish government and Ghent University want to strengthen the ambitious Flemish cycling policy with academic knowledge and insights.

The Bicycle Chair will start on December 1, 2023 within the Geography department of the Faculty of Science at Ghent University and will run for three years. The chair includes the appointment of a part-time visiting professor ‘Fiets’ at the rank of professor (10%) and a half-time scientific employee. The chair’s promoter will be Professor Frank Witlox of the Geography department, Faculty of Science.

Scientific research for a stronger cycling policy

The aim of the chair is to produce scientific publications and reports that can contribute to policy choices and the social debate on bicycle mobility. The chairholder will play a role in various relevant course units at Ghent University and work closely with the many actors involved in cycling policy in Flanders.

The visiting professor will conduct scientific research into a number of specific themes, which will be determined in consultation with a supervisory committee. Possible themes include bicycle safety, influencing bicycle behavior and use, and the development of smart technology to make cycling more comfortable and safer.

Financial support from the Flemish government

The Bicycle Chair receives a subsidy of a maximum of 249,999 euros from the Flemish government for the operating resources of the chair and the wage costs of the visiting professor and the part-time employee.

How do you apply?

More information about this vacancy can be found on the Ghent University job site.