On 12 February 2026, the Flanders Marine Institute welcomed Rector Petra De Sutter and Vice-Rector Herwig Reynaert to Ostend. During the visit, the activities of VLIZ were explained, and the close and long-standing collaboration with Ghent University in the field of marine sciences was reinforced.
F.l.t.r.: Jana Asselman (Marine@UGent), rector Petra De Sutter (UGent), Jan Mees (VLIZ), vice-rector Herwig Reynaert (UGent), Chantal Martens (VLIZ) en Dieter De Bruyn (UGent)
During the visit, Prof. Dr. Jan Mees, general director of VLIZ, explained the mission, operation, and research focus of the institute. This was followed by a tour of the InnovOcean Campus and a visit to the Marine Station Ostend, an important base for marine research.
VLIZ provides logistical and research infrastructure to the Flemish marine research community, including a research fleet with associated equipment and a Marine Robotics Center. In addition, VLIZ funds several doctoral projects at Ghent University, building on the strong expertise of Ghent University supervisors. Through the cooperation agreement with the interfacultary marine research cluster Marine@UGent, Ghent University is a privileged partner for VLIZ and also plays an important administrative role within the institute. The visit underlined the strategic importance of this cooperation and the joint ambition to further develop marine science and innovation.