Women must make up one in two new profs at KU Leuven
KU Leuven is the first Flemish university to respond with a plan required by two Flemish ministers to increase the number of women on their academic staffs
One-third female within 10 years
Currently, more than half of all Master’s graduates at KU Leuven are women but only 13% of professors are women. “In about 10 years, at least 30% of all academic staff should be female,” said vice-rector Katlijn Malfliet, author of the plan.
“But quality remains the priority,” added rector Rik Torfs. “If a man is the best candidate, we will give him the job. But I am sure there are enough qualified women.”
Special commissions will search for potential candidates both within and from outside the university community, including abroad. The university is striving to make the administrative bodies deciding on promotions and appointments a minimum of 30% female.

University of Leuven
staff members in 2013
students in 2014-2015 academic year
million euros in annual research budget
- KU Leuven
- KU Leuven Association
- Study in Flanders