Testimonials
What has given me the most satisfaction in my career are the human and professional contacts with students and colleagues. Working with them has shaped me into who I am today; there is so much to learn from others. Read here what some of them say about me.
Philippe Mispelter
I have been working for 37 years as a technical designer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, where Peter Lievens began his academic career as a doctoral student and later as a postdoc. I got to know him as a young postdoc. One of our first joint projects was the construction of a quadrupole bender, a device that had never been made before. Without Peter's technical insight and practical feeling, it would never have been possible. To this day, his tips and help are greatly appreciated in the lab.
What has characterized Peter all these years is his sincere appreciation for his colleagues. After every important milestone—such as a successful test of a new device—he would organize a party to thank all the researchers and ATP staff involved. Those small gestures made a big difference.
Peter also created a warm atmosphere outside of work. He organized numerous barbecues at his home, where everyone was welcome: students, fellow professors, technicians. He was a generous host, and everyone enjoyed themselves to the fullest.
For me, Peter is and will always be a great man—literally and figuratively.
Tatjana Vogt
I had the pleasure of working closely with Peter on the faculty board during his term as dean of the Faculty of Science. He was not only open to dialogue, but also actively advocated for structural changes that promote a more inclusive academic environment. His leadership style is thoughtful, principled, and unifying—qualities that, in my opinion, make him an excellent candidate for the position of rector.
During my five-year term (2017–2022) as chair of the KU Leuven Diversity Council, I also experienced Peter, in his role as Vice Rector for International Policy and Interculturality, as a committed and active partner who supported many of our diversity initiatives. I am convinced that, once rector, he will pursue a strong and forward-looking diversity policy within our university.
Hanna Snellman
I have known Peter Lievens since spring 2019. I work closely with him as a fellow Director of Una Europa, a leading European Universities alliance, and through the LERU International Policy group, in which Peter plays a central role.
Peter is the architect of Una Europa. As coordinator of the alliance’s Erasmus+ projects, he has held the pen at all stages of planning, and he holds it with heart. Without Peter, we would not have the Una Europa we have today, achieving impact at a scale of ambition no single institution could achieve alone.
Peter Lievens is a capable leader, at once firm and compassionate. I have witnessed his limitless patience, his receptiveness to others’ opinions, and his ability to delegate judiciously.
Peter is a fine scholar, a trusted colleague, and a wise leader, and most importantly, he gets the job done. He would make a fantastic Rector.
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson
On every occasion that I have met Peter Lievens over several years in his role as Vice-Rector for International Policy, he has represented KU Leuven with calm professionalism, integrity, good sense, deep knowledge, and excellent judgement. He is respected internationally and has well-developed networks that would serve him and the University very well as Rector. He has already worked effectively at Board level in LERU and as a fellow member of an International Advisory Board in Slovenia, and I am confident that he could make the transition to the Rector role without difficulty. He respects people of all ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds, is a good listener and an effective leader, as well as being a very approachable human being. Temperament, resilience, and a sense of humour are important qualities for a Rector: Peter has all of these and more.
Sven Neukermans
As one of Peter's first thesis and doctoral students, my memories go back to the young postdoc who, almost every lunch break, would come to Alma 3 to eat with a group of colleagues, always friendly and good-humored. In the years that followed, I got to know Peter as a very empathic, enthusiastic, diligent, and accessible supervisor who also found time in his private life to take care of no fewer than four young foster children together with his wife. It was also remarkable how the work context, both in research laboratories and physics education (and practicals), was accompanied by a natural recognition and respect for the work of all colleagues (technicians, warehouse staff, logistics, administration, and of course the doctoral students and researchers) and the commitment of the students. If Peters' appearance forms an inevitable first impression, it quickly fades when you realize that as a child he must have fallen into a barrel of ideas, warmth, enthusiasm, and a sense of responsibility...
Conny Aerts
The changes that Peter Lievens previously implemented as dean of the Faculty of Sciences speak for themselves. He is someone who not only recognizes diversity, but actively promotes it. He ensures that everyone—and minority groups in particular—has a voice in administrative bodies and working groups. In doing so, he creates a climate of genuine willingness to listen, mutual respect, and equal opportunities. He sees diversity as a source of strength and innovation.
Vincent Van Eylen
In his role as Dean of the Faculty of Science, Peter articulated a clear vision: he wanted to reform the educational system at the science faculty. Studies had shown that long semesters and an extended exam period were not the best way for students to learn. As students, we were not immediately convinced! As president of a student society and student representative I worked closely with Peter, and though we often had opposing views, he was always mindful of the student's perspective. Over the next years, as an Erasmus student in Denmark and professor in London, I discovered the reality of different education systems and the benefits they can offer to students and staff. I have learned to admire Peter for his vision, not afraid to defend novel ideas and firm in his belief that KU Leuven belongs among the very best universities in the world.
Lilian Ferrer
Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Peter Lievens as senior leaders within the Universitas 21 network. During this time, Peter has consistently demonstrated exceptional human and professional qualities. His leadership is both inspiring and grounded, driven by a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of new ideas. He brings people together with a clear purpose: to create better academic environments that support the formation of future generations and the advancement of frontier knowledge. What sets him apart is his ability to balance strategic thinking with genuine human warmth, always including the understanding of nature, arts, and humanities as essential components of higher education. Having someone like Professor Lievens as the Rector of one of the oldest universities in the world is not only a recognition of his personal and professional excellence, but also a sign of hope for a more inclusive, forward-thinking, and enriched future for global higher education.
Nishant Upadhyay
As an alumnus, I’ve been closely following KU Leuven’s international policy for over a decade, including its growing engagement in India and South Asia. Recently I had the privilege of meeting Prof. Peter Lievens in New Delhi during the Belgian economic mission to India, where he represented KU Leuven alongside his team, and I became more closely involved in the alumni chapter. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the university’s steady progress under Prof. Lievens' leadership in fostering international collaboration and developing the worldwide network of alumni. His inclusive approach and commitment to diversity have made KU Leuven more accessible and appealing to students from the region - I often receive inquiries from prospective applicants as a result. Prof. Lievens is not only an exceptional academic leader, but also a thoughtful and engaging representative of the university. His ability to listen, respond with clarity, and build meaningful connections makes him an ideal candidate for Rector.