On October 21st, eight finalists, including six doctoral students from Ghent University (UGent), will compete in the final of the Flemish PhD Cup 2026. The event encourages scientists to make their research accessible to a broad audience. Annually, over 2,000 doctorates are completed in Flanders, but only a fraction of this knowledge reaches the general public.
The six UGent finalists represent diverse disciplines: Biomedical engineer Tim Bomberna, Chemical engineer Maarten Dobbelaere, Medical scientist Paulien Moyaert, Art historian Steff Nellis, Astroparticle physicist Bob Oeyen, and Biologist Charlotte Van Driessche. Originally, nine UGent candidates were part of the selection of sixteen.
The public can vote for their favorite candidate until October 21st at 5 PM for the National Lottery public prize of 1,500 euros. Additionally, voters have a chance to win a 'PhD Cup' book package.
The final will be hosted by Jacotte Brokken and will feature a keynote by PhD Cup 2019 winner dr. Jonas Roelens, titled "Lust & laster. Vrijen in de ‘preutse’ middeleeuwen" (Lust & Slander. Courting in the 'prudish' Middle Ages). The final can be followed via livestream at www.phdcup.be/finale-2026.
