Biography
Who is Peter Lievens?
Physicist, education reformer and academic leader. From CERN to KU Leuven, Peter Lievens has been building interdisciplinary research, inclusive education and a forward-looking university for decades.
Early years & training
Born in 1963, with greying hair but undiminished ideals and work ethic. I attended Latin-Mathematics at Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege in Mol and graduated in physics from KU Leuven in 1985. Early on, I was attracted to fundamental research, from nuclear physics and quantum systems to chemistry, with applications in relevant fields such as catalysis and environmental issues.
Research & international experience
I did my PhD at the Institute of Nuclear and Radiation Physics, after which I moved to the European organisation for nuclear and particle research CERN in Geneva as a postdoctoral researcher. A new world opened up to me there: working with international partners soon broadened my perspective, both scientifically and personally.
After my CERN Fellowship, I returned to Leuven as a postdoc of the Research Foundation – Flanders. My research took a new turn at the interface of nuclear, atomic and solid-state physics, with laser spectroscopy as a key technique.
Quantum physics and nanoscience, which study the transition from individual atomic properties to collective material properties, continue to fascinate me. Our cluster labs, where I enjoy interactions with PhD students, postdocs and fellow professors, are still the most beautiful place in the university for me.
Education & innovation
In 2001, I was appointed as a research professor (BOF-ZAP) at the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This provided space to expand my research group while deepening my passion for teaching and educational innovation. Providing top education based on top research is a core mission of a university. At KU Leuven, we do it with enthusiasm, something I am particularly proud of.
I have taught in a variety of contexts, from large undergraduate groups to specialised master's programmes. That diversity and interaction with different student groups were always a source of inspiration.
Leadership & policy
Early on, I took on policy responsibilities. For instance, I drafted the self-evaluation report for the physics programme during a crucial transition phase. In 2008, I became vice dean of education of the Faculty of Science; from 2009 to 2017, I was dean. That period was dominated by educational innovation: together with many concerned colleagues and students, I worked on several projects to make education in undergraduate programmes more active and effective, inspired by didactic research.
Since 2017, I have been Vice Rector, in charge of International Policy, LERU and Alumni Policy. Interculturality was added in 2021, putting diversity policy prominently on my radar as well. Working together to create a contemporary learning environment, an internationally oriented university, an inclusive workplace and an engaged alumni community continues to motivate me. The numerous new cooperation and exchange agreements we concluded with prominent foreign universities open up so many opportunities for students and colleagues.
Personal
Besides physics, basketball played a big role in my life for many years. My 205 cm were not a disadvantage in this. Team sports and experiences with the university basketball team shaped me as a human being: winning and losing together, supporting each other. And as a moni and camp manager at Youth & Health (now Kazou), I experienced how valuable and versatile commitment can be.
In 1988, I married Min. We have a daughter, Shana, and we were also foster parents for many years to children who are now parents themselves. My favourite recreation? Cooking for (foster) (grand) children with vegetables from my own garden. And when there is a bit more time: walking and cycling in the Kempen.
Basketball, family, physics, nano research, educational innovation, international policy... All these experiences I will take with me in the next chapter. With enthusiasm and dedication, I am standing as rector of KU Leuven: for an inclusive, forward-looking and internationally anchored university.